Life in the US has been difficult over the last few years, and if you’re feeling the stress, you’re definitely not alone.
Many of us are in survival mode, living month-to-month, struggling with bills, coping with debt stress, rising interest rates, and feeling shaken by the uncertainty and lack of control over the situation.
Virginia, and the entire nation, are facing a stress epidemic, a widespread feeling of worry and unease. And financial worries – from the housing crisis to the rising cost of living – are among the leading causes.
In the APA’s 2024 Stress in America Survey, every age group reported money and the economy as key stressors in their lives, while 65% of respondents said housing costs were another major concern. In fact, here in Virginia, we’re facing an estimated shortage of 300,000 affordable rental homes.
With these worrying figures, it’s no wonder so many people are feeling stressed and anxious!
But high levels of stress can take a serious toll on your mental and physical health over time, so while you may not be able to change the economy, it’s important to find ways to manage the stress it might be causing you.
In this blog, we’ll show you practical tips to prioritize your mental health, so you can protect your emotional well-being even through difficult times like these.
Why Mental Health Matters
With so much going on in the nation and around the world, many are struggling with poor mental health. And when your plate is already full, and you’re staring down a bile of unpaid bills, your emotional well-being can easily slip to the bottom of your priority list.
But neglecting your mental health can negatively affect many areas of your life, and suffering in silence can lead to negative coping strategies. You may experience:
- Poor sleep, which leads to irritability, inability to focus, and difficulty managing stress.
- Strain and tension in your close relationships.
- Pressure to overwork or avoid socializing to save money.
- Risk of alcohol or substance abuse to ease the pain of housing and financial worries.
Remember, even when times get tough, there are healthy ways to mind your mind, take positive steps, and build the resilience you need to move through these challenging times.
Caring for Your Mental Health When Times Get Tough
While you can’t always control what’s going on in the world around you, you can control how you respond. When you notice yourself feeling overwhelmed as rent comes due or your lease comes to a close, here are some tips to help you manage your mental health:
Shift your mindset
When you’re faced with worries about your financial situation, job security, and housing costs, it’s common to feel overwhelmed with stress, anxiety, frustration, fear, and shame. But while these feelings are natural, they’re not always helpful.
Here are a few ways to shift toward a more positive mindset:
- Practice mindfulness: Take a moment to pause, name your feelings, take some deep breaths, or follow a guided meditation to recenter when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
- Focus on what you can control: You can’t fix the economy or solve the housing crisis on your own. Redirect that stress toward what you can do. Set realistic goals to help keep you focused on positive steps you can take to regain a sense of control.
- Celebrate the wins: Remind yourself that small achievements are just as important as the big ones.
Taking time to feel your feelings, focus on what you can control, and acknowledging the positives can help you stay grounded when stress levels are high.
Related: Worried about your child’s mental health? Here are ten questions to start talking
Control your media consumption
Speaking of things you can control, the media you consume is a big one.
These days, it can feel like every time you turn on the TV or scroll through social media, you’re bombarded with bad news, disturbing images, and catastrophic language. It’s okay to take a step back, reassess the media you’re consuming, and regain control to protect your mental health.
Take a break from checking the news, and unfollow or mute any accounts or outlets you feel are doing more harm than good to your mental well-being.
Physical care = mental care
Your mind and body are deeply connected – when one suffers, the other will, too. Try to:
- Eat well: Do your best to eat a balanced diet, replacing processed foods with fruits and veggies when possible.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can lift your mood, keep you energized, and reduce symptoms of stress.
- Exercise: Move your body in a way that works for you, whether it’s a brisk walk or a gentle yoga session.
The more you prioritize your physical health, the more your mind will thank you.
Healthy distractions
One of the best ways to manage stress and care for your mental health is to redirect your attention and energy to something productive, creative, relaxing or fun. Picking up a new hobby, spending time in nature, consuming positive content, or starting a new gym class are all great ways to relieve stress.
Manage money problems
A lot of financial stress comes from feeling helpless or out of control, so one of the simplest ways to ease money worries is to create a budget.
Track your income and spending habits to see where you might be overspending or costs you can cut to save more.
Then, set clear financial goals and review your budget regularly to stay on track. A clear plan with achievable steps can help you ease money anxiety, manage stress, and feel more in control.
Use your resources
You don’t have to do it all on your own. Look for government programs, community resources, and charities that support those facing financial difficulties, struggling to find affordable housing, or coping with mental illness.
For example, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can help with affordable housing and rental assistance. The Housing Choice Voucher Program helps very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford housing.
And if you’re struggling to pay your bills, call 211 to connect with a local specialist for help.
Build a support network
Whether you need help managing financial strain or just want someone to talk to about your worries and concerns, a little support from friends, family, or colleagues goes a long way.
Reach out to someone who understands how you feel or what you’re going through, whether it’s dealing with debt or battling the current housing market crisis. When times are hard, it helps to know you’re not alone, and that you’re surrounded by people who care.
Talk to a professional
If you’re doing all that you can to care for your mental health, but you still feel like you’re struggling, there’s no shame in seeking more help. Look for local support groups where you can connect with people who get it, or speak to a mental health professional who can help you develop the tools and strategies you need to manage your mental health.
Region Five Can Help
If you or a loved one is suffering from mental health problems – whether due to financial stress, housing affordability, or anything else – support is here.
If you need immediate emotional support, you can call our crisis helpline at (757) 656-7755. Find and contact your local CSB or Crisis Receiving Center and take the first steps towards prioritizing your emotional well-being today.
