War of Nerves

A word that creates mixed reactions but clearly everyone feels on edge. The following WebMD information is provided to assist your employees when considering ways to cope with these difficult times.

War anxiety is everywhere, says Washington D.C. psychologist Bob Rosenblatt, PhD. Every one of his patients spends at least a few minutes talking about it. And these days, he says, that's normal. "It is right to be anxious, to be paying attention to what's going on. The times are uncertain," Rosenblatt tells WebMD. "The two things that create anxiety are lack of security and lack of safety. Usually that means financial issues or physical harm. And what is facing most Americans? The economy is awful, so economic security is threatened. And we're told to watch out for physical threats all the time.

The only normal response to this is an increased level of anxiety." In fact, not feeling anxious may be a danger sign, says Douglas Mennin, PhD, director of the Yale University Anxiety and Mood Center.

Fortunately there's much we can do. Rosenblatt says we shouldn't ignore our anxiety -- but we shouldn't make it the sole focus of our lives, either. "Don't let your inner vision go myopic," he says. "Don't so much focus on the poor economy and the precariousness of the world that you retreat. Don't let anxiety become larger than the things and values and relationships you have in your life. Focus on the things that are OK -- your family and friends and all that. Keep sight of that. And do not despair. Find that resilience within yourself. Don't lose hope there will be better days."

Mennin offers this advice:
· Think about the serious issues of the day, but don't get caught up in a loop of worrying about the same things over and over. Keep things in perspective.
· Stay on regular sleep cycles.
· Relaxation techniques, yoga, and exercise are all helpful for daily stress and worry. These things help get you out of your head and into your body.
· Get comfortable with the notion that it's OK to go on with your daily activities even if you sometimes feel insecure and emotional.

Submitted by CorpCare Associates