Depression is nothing to laugh at. Suicide certainly isn’t, but in this case, I am going to have to give in to my inner devil. Over at the Drudge Report today we have the main story: the government has posted a website to help people recognize the physical and/or psychological effects of getting royally screwed in both ends by your own government. Maybe THIS is the hope that Obama was talking about?
This guide provides practical advice on how to deal with the effects financial difficulties can have on your physical and mental health -- it covers:
- Possible health risks
- Warning signs
- Managing stress
- Getting help
- Suicide warning signs
- Other steps you can take
Possible Health Risks
Economic turmoil (e.g., increased unemployment, foreclosures, loss of investments and other financial distress) can result in a whole host of negative health effects - both physical and mental. It can be particularly devastating to your emotional and mental well-being. Although each of us is affected differently by economic troubles, these problems can add tremendous stress, which in turn can substantially increase the risk for developing such problems as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Compulsive Behaviors (over-eating, excessive gambling, spending, etc.)
- Substance Abuse
Warning Signs
It is important to be aware of signs that financial problems may be adversely affecting your emotional or mental well being --or that of someone you care about. These signs include:
- Persistent Sadness/Crying
- Excessive Anxiety
- Lack of Sleep/Constant Fatigue
- Excessive Irritability/Anger
- Increased drinking
- Illicit drug use, including misuse of medications
- Difficulty paying attention or staying focused
- Apathy - not caring about things that are usually important to you
- Not being able to function as well at work, school or home
Wow. It is very gracious of our leaders to copy/paste the text from some old 1980s website about teenage rebellion, by substituting “peer pressure” with “financial” or “economic”. Seriously folks, your government CARES and I am glad that IT is providing a shining example of how criminals can be great human beings too! After all, no ordinary thief would go to the trouble of helping his victims cope with the troubles that he himself gave to them.
Did you hug your government today?
