Panic with the economy or maintain well being?"
The number of prescriptions for antianxiety medications such as alprazolam is up and those for sleep aides such as zolpidem are “definitely up”.
Over the past few months, I have received more calls and heard more patients address concerns about their financial status than in my fifty-one years of medical practice serving the whole range of humanity from indigent to rich. I go few places now where the economy is not discussed or at least mentioned. Even the 9/11 terrorist attacks did not elicit this level and breadth of reaction. These events are affecting most of us at some level…anxiety is pervasive and widespread. We can debate whether the level and breadth of anxiety is the result of the significant collapse of American and world markets or of the suffocating media coverage of these events. It matters not; it is external to us; it affects us personally. Even the indigent are affected as contributions to helping causes decline. Those near or already in retirement are more significantly affected than younger people are.
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This circumstance is much like, but different from, the experience of being attacked as a nation by a foreign foe as was experienced by many in Europe during World War II. My wife, the first child prisoner of the Nazis, as well as friends who were in Greece at the time, recount their fear and the national fear at many levels, in spite of earlier anger and elation at the repudiation of the Italian attack and staunch resistance to the Germans. There the enemy was known and the needed response was clear.
Today’s events differ in that there is no person or persons who are the identifiable aggressors. The response is not as obvious. Because most of us spend our own money—however it comes to us—we may even blame ourselves for not having the foresight to save more or protect it better. For many who are dependent on others to manage pension plans and other savings vehicles, helplessness can be excruciating. Even for those managing their own investments, the unknown is daunting.
In addition, this economic crunch has been gaining strength for many months in a chronic, insidious manner. Gas prices have affected most of us. Mortgage foreclosures have gradually become more visible even here in the Triangle, which has largely been immune to other national down cycles. To add to the complexity, it is not clear that anyone in a significant position to do anything has any notion about how best to proceed. It does not help that these individuals seem to be the last to learn about the economic crunch, which physician practices and patients have been experiencing for months. Thus, there is not only the feeling that we lack control, but also the feeling that those who could be in control are not.
While interacting with fellow physicians, I find their patients are complaining in increased numbers of colds, tiredness, weakness, sleeplessness, and autonomic system symptoms such as stomach unease and even serious depression. Physicians themselves have called for help with their own life or that of family members. I do not have figures but my very nonscientific telephone poll of pharmacies, including Kroger, Kerr, CVS and independents in north, west, south and east Raleigh got almost unanimous response that over the past four months the number of prescriptions for antianxiety medications such as alprazolam is up and those for sleep aides such as zolpidem are “definitely up”.
A number of my writings deal with personal management, disaster, panic, and inner peace. A quick review is in order. For clinical depression, including feeling depressed or irritable most of the time, diminished pleasure or interest, sleep disturbances, weight changes, agitation or being slowed down, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, decreased concentration, thoughts of death or suicide – see your doctor! Otherwise, anxiety is a natural human feeling. Some anxiety is required for us to even get up from bed and go about our day. We must maintain our balance, and stay with our structure. We should use relaxation methods, passive or active, prayer and activities, which work for us. Have fun, laugh, and play. Make important decisions with great caution and care. Be aware of over or under reactions and modify them. Be affirming—“I will prevail,” “I have skills which will see me through,” “This too shall pass.” Set aside stressful thoughts. In this situation, the only way to modify the stressors is to avoid consumption of unnecessary input. Be purposeful about protecting yourself from the onslaught of the media barrage. Skip the front page— read the comics, sports, and other non-economic columns. Avoid the late night news before going to bed. Stay updated with true “news” and avoid the perpetual analyses about what happened, why did it happen, when will it end, and when will things turn around. Exercise regularly; eat a balanced diet devoid of stimulants such as caffeine and depressants such as alcohol. Go to bed within half an hour of the same time each night. Avoid exercise or eating heavy foods before bed. Empty your bladder last thing before bed. Sleep in a completely darkened room or wear eye covers. Take stock—clarify your life goals. Review your management of money. Clarify what you can do and take action, or if you can do nothing, do that. Be open with the family without creating panic and have everyone on board when there is a need to conserve. The situation will not blight children. After all, I, along with many others who are depression babies, have survived and even thrived. Maintain social activities while minimizing lengthy discussions about economics. Share personal situations that may be supportive; this crunch is affecting everyone. Be grateful for what we have. Live in the present, in the now.
Trials and tribulations will inevitably strengthen us if we manage ourselves through them.
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"Panic with the economy or maintain well being?""
authored by:
Nicholas E. Stratas, M.D., DLFAPA earned his BA, MD from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Toronto, Canada. Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, he is a Distinguished Fellow of a number of organizations, including, P...
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