Recession-proof your health

By Rochelle Robinson

A few nights ago, KTVU ran a story about the physical and mental toll the economy is having on many of us. Women and men reported trouble sleeping due to anxiety and fears over finances. They expressed worry over financial investments in stocks or retirement plans, such as 401(k)s, and many said they are concerned about job security.
   The newscaster reported that the economy is causing people to become more irritable and agitated, and therefore more self-destructive. As a result, alcohol and drug use are on the rise. On Oct. 13, ABC7 News did a similar report about the impact the economy is having on our psychological health. In Contra Costa County alone, calls to mental health hotlines have increased by more than 20 percent.
    Solutions to this crisis are few and far between. The KTVU reporter pointed out that stress felt by adults can trickle down to their children, and warned of the dangers in that. The ABC7 report offered a mental health emergency number (211) that viewers could call if the stress becomes unbearable. They also recommended prioritizing what you need to take care of most (rent/mortgage, food, transportation, etc.) as an effective tool to fight against impending stress.
    Although these reports were long overdue — for many of us, this economic crisis has been going on for far too long — I appreciated the attention they hopefully brought to the issue, especially in regard to the health crisis this economy has created. However, I would have liked to hear more from viewers, or at least some of the “experts” interviewed for these reports, about what other healthy choices and activities folks could engage in to eliminate the amount of stress they are experiencing.
    Stress not only impacts our mental health, but it can compound the effects of some of the physical illnesses we incur from a variety of unhealthy habits such as poor diet and lack of exercise. Stress can elevate your blood pressure, suppress your immune system and, as these reports cited, make you feel anxious, uptight, worried and afraid. It is important that during times of stress we take healthy measures to deal with it.
    In my personal experience, stress can take its toll on physical and mental health in the form of everything from severe stomach pain to mild depression. I learned to engage in activities that help me deal with and manage daily stress.
    It is important to note that there are some things that are totally out of our control, like the weather and the banking crisis. But it is important to recognize when you’re feeling stressed and, when possible, to try to avoid the things that can bring stress on. When that’s not possible, try to change the way you react to the stress that finds its way into your life. Look at change as a positive challenge, not as something threatening.
    There is a saying that “everything happens for a reason” — consider a challenging situation as a way of propelling you to make a positive change in your life, like starting a new career, going back to school, finding a new hobby, changing the way you eat, etc. Changing the way you look at things can change the way that thing looks. Try a different approach to stress rather than allowing it to take control of you.
    Set realistic goals; don’t spend more money than is necessary; find free activities that you can attend and participate in; take public transportation or walk or ride your bike; exercise; eat less fat, sugar and foods high in salt; try meditation and/or yoga. These are great stress reducers and can help you sleep better, too.
    And don’t hesitate to talk to friends, family members or a professional if and when you need to. Although it often feels like we are going through something alone, more often than not, we aren’t. You may find that by talking to others, you’ll gain practical solutions to your problems. Knowledge is power.
    These are tough and trying times. We are faced with many challenges as a result of the recession, which calls for recessionproof solutions and practices that we can incorporate into our lives to stave off stress that comes from a rocky economy. Being willing to make changes and to take a proactive approach instead of a reactionary one will help us beat the odds and live healthier, less stressful lives.

For more information on the Bay Area Black United Fund’s Health Conductors program, contact BABUF at (510) 763- 7270 or www.babuf.org.