After two murder-suicides across the country attributed to tough financial situations earlier this week, many people are wondering just how much stress the economy is really causing.

The struggling economy is forcing financial stress to build for people such as Augusta County resident Clarence Brooks.

Brooks says, "I'm concerned not only for myself and my wife, but also for my children and their families."

However, he says his situation isn't too overwhelming.

He says, "I'm not to the point of jumping out of a window or anything."

Still, Brooks says he worries about his future plans.

He says, "I'm close to retirement and concerned about where my retirement money will be in the next few years."

Clinical psychologist at Augusta Psychological Associates, Dr. Lee Hersch, breaks down the impact economic stress can cause.

Hersch says, "Financial security is an issue of safety and so fear directly derives from any issue that impacts safety, so it can be pretty significant."

He also says it has created another level of stress for some of his patients.

"Many of the people who we are already seeing are worrying about finances and the economy more," adds Hersch.

Hersch says not knowing how the economy will play out is another source of stress.

He says, "I think the more uncertainty there is in any given situation, the more people's anxiety and worry goes up."