Possible Deadly Effects of a Struggling Economy
Possible Deadly Effects of a Struggling Economy Save Email Print
Harrisonburg, Va.
Posted: 4:15 PM Dec 3, 2008
Last Updated: 7:32 AM Dec 4, 2008
Reporter: Philip Townsend
Email Address: ptownsend@whsv.com

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As the economy continues to struggle, experts say more and more people are turning to counselors to deal with growing financial stress and its deadly effects.

Harvey Yoder is a counselor at the Family Life Resource Center in Harrisonburg. He says stress from the economy is on the minds of many people visiting the center.

Yoder says, "I'm seeing a lot more people come in who talk about financial stress and it may or not be the issue that is bringing them here, but it's on everyone's minds these days."

He says if it's intense enough, financial stress can have deadly consequences when combined with existing depression.

Yoder says, "It's not the magnitude of a particular person's problem, but it's the already existing depression that an event may trigger further thoughts of suicide."

One of the key triggers these days can be the continuing talks of layoffs and struggling businesses. Yoder says they are continuing to find new ways of helping ease the impact of stress induced by the economy.

"We want to try and help them to think of it in as rational a way as possible," says Yoder. "Not do too much catastrophizing, awfulizing, but look at the assets they have, the strengths they have and particularly the resources they have around them."

The center is planning classes for Valley residents to manage their finances.

Yoder adds, "In January, we are having a series of three hour and a half classes that will meet once a week on dealing with finances and helping people to make the most of the finances they have."

Grief and Loss Services at Rockingham Memorial Hospital are also offering their help and they say you may be able to receive your first two sessions for free.

Contact RMH Coordinator of Grief and Loss Services Nancy Shomo at 540-433-4427.

If you would like to contact the Family Life Resource Center, you can call 540-432-4314.

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Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 4, 2008 at 07:38 AM
I know some bring financial hardships on themselves by not living within their pay scales, but if someone has a serious illness or a sick child that keeps them out of work for months at a time,there is absolutely no help out there for them. You swallow your pride and try applying for Medicaid, just to be embarassed at the window of Social Services by an overly loud receptionist, involving all ears in the waiting area, informing you that if you aren't PREGNANT, you don't qualify! A life-threatening illness is not in the criteria? Isn't that a kick in the parts for someone who has worked all their life? This is a messed-up country that takes from those of us who will work, and gives to those who won't. Where is help for the WORKING PEOPLE who fall on hard times and can't have affordable insurance because of the blatant abuse of the system? Working people, look out for yourselves because you DON'T MATTER anymore!

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