This is the third half of the post on health/medical.
Many months ago, I read a disturbing post by Michael Panzner at Financial Armageddon.
In "More Than Just Numbers" Mr. Panzner provides an article by Nick Turse titled "Meltdown Madness: The Human Cost of the Economic Crisis." Please take time to read the article.
Terrible isn't it. People taking their lives, robbing banks, committing other crimes, or just acting crazy. Yeah, people like you and me.
Some of us, maybe most of us, would dismiss this behavior as no big deal. I think it is a big deal. We are under a lot of stress in these times. People losing their jobs, homes, and financial security.
In the Links: I have provided some links, of course, about mental health. I urge you to seek help if you are having difficulty.
If you can't afford a professional, you need to find an ear to bend. Someone you are comfortable talking to about your feelings. This person could be a friend, priest, or family member.
If someone seeks you out to talk about their problems, take time to listen. You don't need to help, just listen. My wife and I call this "venting."
Since we have been venting (no venting about each other, by the way) for a few years, I have learned to recognize when she does this. I would suggest that you explain to your friend or family member what you want to do. Tell them upfront that you are not seeking help, just someone to listen.
If you are seeking help for a problem, tell your friend upfront, so she/he knows that you are seeking assistants to solve this problem. This is important; you have to let people know that you are seeking help to get help.
Yes, network! People have the answers you are looking for.
Always ask if there are questions you should have asked. As government budgets get smaller, you will need to turn to family, friends, and neighbors for assistance.
Now, some of us are going to try to work this out on our own. For me, I remember the Serenity Prayer. When I am feeling tough, I recite the Commando Prayer.
Links:
Financial Armageddon - More Than Just Numbers
http://www.financialarmageddon.com/2009/01/more-good-news-not.html
The National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
click on "Publications (also en Espanol)"
next to "Jump To" - Select a Topic -click on the arrowsscroll down to "Depression" or "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder" (PTSD)
It will take you to some pages that have .pdf documents about these mental health illnesses
MedlinePlus: Mental Health
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mentalhealth.html
Suicide: Top Health Concern of Men
http://womenshealth.gov/mens/health/suicide.cfm
Women's Web - Suicide and Depression
http://www.womensweb.ca/mental/suicide
The Serenity Prayer
http://www.cptryon.org/prayer/special/serenity.html
Andre Zirnheld - The Paratrooper's Prayer/Commando Prayer
http://iwvpa.net/zirnheldala/index.php
