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Economy testing our stress tolerance
> Area residents discuss how they are coping with the rising cost of gas
> How do you cope with stress?
> Related: Simplified lifestyles ease financial stress | Comment
> A step back in time yields new insights
> Public transportation helps take sting out of fuel prices
Monday, July 07, 2008
American families are feeling stressed.
With family and friends at war, skyrocketing gas prices and homes at risk, it's no wonder we're upset. And relationships often suffer as a result.
"Psychologists and mental health providers are seeing an increase in episodes of anger and frustration," said Centerville therapist Larry Pendley. He said problems are especially prevalent in those who may already be depressed or in stressful jobs.
The stress can manifest itself in many ways: domestic violence, road rage, shoplifting — even gas lifting. Not to mention drug and alcohol use. And a really short fuse.
"From a police perspective we can make the assumption that anytime there are more stressors you're going to see different reactions," said Dayton Police Lt. John Barnes.
"Some people respond in a physical or verbal manner, some lash out, some withdraw. We get called when people have lost control of the situation and when there are shootings, stabbings and family troubles."
Cindy Bremer, COO of YWCA Dayton, which operates emergency shelters for victims of domestic violence and homeless women and children, agrees that conditions are tough.
"There's no question that you do see greater incidences of violence when people are under the kind of economic stresses and uncertainties we're seeing now," Bremer said.
The core issue is always power and control, she said.
"When people are feeling powerless, their frustrations are displaced," she said. "If your job is uncertain and you can't pay your bills, the situation escalates."
But Pendley, a practicing psychologist for more than 30 years, believes there are ways to weather this storm.
"Re-Structure, Re-Prioritize and Re-Focus," he advises. "Have a budget and stick to it. Put more emphasis on the important relationships in your life and do more things together. And discover the little pleasures in life."
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 or mmoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Comments
By Rick
July 8, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
Nationalize energy? You’ve got to be kidding! The very worst thing for any industry is to get the government involved. “Government is not the solution-government is the problem!”
Free market is the only way to go! If you want nationalization, Rick W., move to Europe! They are a perfect model of failure.
By Rick Millward
July 8, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
Venting is good for a moment but I decided to work on my own personal poor state by depriving the electric, natural gas and gasoline barons of some money, build some savings, lower debt and discovered Vectrn is going to raise natural gas by 50% more this winter making it 90% increase in two winters! I plan to call my senator and congressman and sk again to nationalize these energy companies that are robbing us no matter what we do or use.
By Carrie
July 7, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
The best ways to cope with stress are: pray, read your Bible, eat healthy foods, work out and make time for your friends and other loved ones!
By Rick
July 7, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
HAHAHA All the media seems to want to report is how bad things are. Economies have cycles, ups and downs, just like life does … its all in how you handle it. I have bills just like everyone else, higher gas prices just like everyone else, and i’m paying more for groceries-just like everyone else. I’m not whining or complaining. The secret to happiness is turning off the news, putting down the newspaper (hehehe) and discovering for yourself all of the wonderful things life has to offer!
By painfultruth
July 7, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
I love how jealousy pours out of people in response to my posts. Had you prepared yourself for life and made good choices, you also wouldn’t have to “cope with stress”.
By Appalled
July 7, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Part2-gas guzzling cars (in case we have fogotten, we have some control over what is produced by what we purchase). We do not really invest in the stock market, but simply want to make a quick buck. As long as this attitude pervades our western societies, not much will change. Society is only a reflection of ourselves.
By Appalled
July 7, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Part 1- I can’t believe the aggression in these eMails. Maybe that is some people’s way of coping with the stress but it certainly isn’t very productive. The reason we are in this situation is simply because of greed. Yes, the corporations are greedy but so are we (and I include myself), albeit in a smaller way. We want everything cheap, but can’t understand why the jobs are moving to lower cost countries. We knew that the supply of oil and gas wasn’t infinite, but continued to buy
By Karon
July 7, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
I find it interesting that president Bush ranch in Crawford Texas is totally off the grid. The hubert law of 1956 explains that in the early 21st century the world will experince Peak OIl. This peak oil means we are running low on oil and if we do not go to alternative ways in the Very near future, we could go back to medieval times Tomorrow!
By Has brown spot on the the wall ---> painfultruth@att.net
July 7, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Get a clue you Centerville punk!
By painfultruth
July 7, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
I’m not stressed. Things are going very well. Sorry about YOUR luck! Alwaysup37 only shows his lack of education with his worthless opinion. Anyone but me study global economics? I’m sure that Bush is responsible for the brown spots on your lawn too, you concrete headed idiot!
By alwaysup37
July 7, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
Over half you people voted for Bush and his Big Oil, not once,but twice. Gee, I thought you ninnys enjoyed getting screwed the first four years so much you couldn’t wait to get it for another four. Stupid is as stupid does. You earned it and certainly deserve it. As far as God is concerned He could care less who you voted for so don’t blame Him. Will the American people ever get smart. I doubt it.
By Your post is stupid! Jim Jones lover!
July 7, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
GET A CLUE! ——-> letmelive@verizon.net
By FreedomLover
July 7, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
I pray! Realizing God is in total control. I understand completely, according to Deuteronomy chapter 28, that when a nation turns it’s back on God, He will punish it. One way He does so, is economically. The cure? Repent of our wickedness and turn back to Him.
By OHIO & TED SUCK!
July 7, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
Taxes! Thats why we are stressed! Dayton/Mont Cty is a crap hole! To many people sucking off of society while the working class people are “stressed” to far! YOU SUCK!
By Papa Ubu
July 7, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this
I cope with stress by laughing at ForeverLow’s posts on DaytonMostMedoicre.Commedy!