Our electronic age spares us no time or mercy, informing us constantly of troubled economic times.

With the recent economic downturn, our auditory and visual circuits are bombarded by dire information about money, housing, work and overall financial uncertainty. Some people are experiencing threats to their basic human survival and needs such as work and shelter.

These messages of uncertainty arouse a part of the brain involved in keeping us safe and maintaining fear and stress responses. This part of the brain, for example, attempts to keep us safe in our environment. If we hear a loud growl behind a tree while hiking, our brain and body change instantaneously.

We take in all the information to ensure our survival. We have to either fight or flee, so we pay close attention to the sounds, sights, etc., that will allow us to gather the best information. There is no time to think, digest, reflect, feel pleasure or pain—we must remain “stressed” to survive.

This same part of the brain is activated no matter what the threat actually is. Whether a confrontation with a saber tooth tiger or an economic woe—when we perceive we are threatened, our bodies can go on the same high alert mode. This is known as the body’s stress response.

Psychological and physical disease and disorders can result if our vigilant responses to difficult situations extend over time. Chronic fear and stress have been linked to many illnesses including: heart disease, high blood pressure, lowered immunity, depression and anxiety. They can erode our productivity, concentration and memory. They can also seriously impact our ability to effectively function at work.

In a paper released by the American Psychological Association on Oct. 7, Americans reported their significant sources of stress as:

• money—72 percent;

• work—68 percent;

• the economy—69 percent;

• housing costs—47 percent.

What to do

We most probably can all agree that financial concerns create worry and stress. But what should we do about it?

Certainly we must heed the “alarm” and problem-solve from there. We must gather data, consult, assess, re-organize if necessary, and make informed decisions on how to weather this economic storm.

It may also be time to work on another part of our lives—from another part of our brain. The part of the brain that allows for: perspective, perspective, perspective.

We must encourage ourselves to step back from the fear and stress and regain some balance. We can quiet the “alarm,” by reminding ourselves that we have taken care of all that we can, and that this is a storm, not the end of our lives. We then can restore our ability to think clearly, reflect and possibly enjoy again!

Stress management techniques ranging from physical activity to deep breathing and meditation can assist in regaining balance. These techniques allow us to step back and move away from the fight/flight response of our brains.

Perspective can provide the reminder that we have successfully managed other storms in our lives. Life storms are a part of human existence, and somehow we continue to move through them and grow as human beings.

Looking for help?

If you would like to discuss financial stress, stress management strategies or any other matter, call Academic and Staff Assistance at 752-2727 or e-mail Beth Cohen at bacohen@ucdavis.edu.

Beth Cohen is the director of the Academic and Staff Assistance Program.