The Economy And Your Health

Alabama Economy Families doing whatever they can to make a few extra bucks...counselors and therapists busy with new patients stressed about the economic crisis

by Pat Peterson

Published: Fri, October 10, 2008 - 4:28 pm CST Last Updated: Fri, October 10, 2008 - 4:45 pm CST

Joey Pagni hopes his yard sale will help him pay this month's bills. Like so many others, the economy hasn't been good to Pagni. He was recently laid off and is doing anything he can to make a few bucks.

"We're having a yard sale to clean out two storage units," says Pagni. "Get all the stuff into one unit and cut our monthly expenses, plus have a little extra spending money."

George Downs is also pinching pennies. Down's says he's glad he can save his family money at the yard sale while helping Pagni get through a difficult time.

"We're always looking for bargains and can find them at yard sales," says Downs. "When we get back home we're going to get rid of our phone and do some other things. We're not going to take as many vacations, we're on a fixed income and you gotta do something to save money."

Counselors and therapists have been busy with new patients. Licensed Professional Counselor Greg Peavy says his new patients are stressed about the economy.

"We're seeing an increase in people having anxiety," says Peavy. "And it's easy to see why. Look at the stock market, it's all doom and gloom. But people do need to realize that things are going to change."

Here are a few tips Peavy says to try to reduce stress:

-Walking/exercise. Regular physical activity can release stress and make you feel better.
-Breathing exercises. Trying different deep-breathing techniques can relax the muscles and the body.
-Make a list of goals. Short-term and long-term goals are beneficial.
-Seek professional help. If stress/anxiety becomes too much, seek help from a counselor or therapist.

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openeyes Says:

Tue, Dec 23, 2008 at 10:46 pm

MeAmerican,

What’s with the judgment stuff? Suppose they were stuck with the storage units after other family members moved? What if they don’t smoke or drink? What if they’re on disability for physical injuries that don’t allow manual labor? What if the travel trailer you see in the background is “home”? You must have been bored that day; just want to stimulate your imagination. What if the problems can’t possibly be solved by any means but selling what they have? If things are tough for you, you have my concern and care—as do those in the story.

MeAmerican Says:

Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 6:09 pm

“Seek professional help. If stress/anxiety becomes too much, seek help from a counselor or therapist.”
Don’t these things cost $$$? So how do you expect an unemployed person to come about the means for such services?
Oh, and did I dare mention this story is lame?

MeAmerican Says:

Fri, Oct 10, 2008 at 5:21 pm

Two storage units ? Living beyond your means? Get a subprime mortgage? Looking for a new job? Know how to rake lawns? Cut them? Greet people at the wal-mart? Go without beer and smokes? Waiting for your ship to come in? Looking for handouts and/or entitlements?
Hate to come across as insensitive but what a lame story!