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Getting Help in a Financial Crisis
When to Get Help With a Financial Crisis

By , About.com Guide

Updated: October 20, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

If you feel that the stress of your financial situation is too much for you to handle, it’s important to ask for help. Often people are afraid or ashamed to ask for help from others, but asking for help is sometimes the wise and necessary thing to do. Help can take many forms:
  • Friends and Family
    The people who love you don’t want to see you suffer alone. If you need a wise ear or a shoulder to cry on, friends and family are usually very good at offering the type of comfort and support. In fact, that’s what they’re there for.
  • Financial Advisors
    In financial crises, sometimes the type of professional help you need can come in the form of someone who understands money crises better than the rest of us. Often, getting a plan put together with the help of a professional can take much of the stress away — you may feel more in control, less alone, and more optimistic about your situation.
  • Mental Health Professionals
    Don’t underestimate the importance of the other type of "professional help" when you’re experiencing a crisis. Sometimes the stress of a financial crises can be more than one person can — or should — handle alone. If the stress relief techniques mentioned in this article seem to be not nearly enough help for the type of stress you’re facing, it may be time to talk to your doctor. If you’re feeling an overwhelming sense of hopelessness, a lasting loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy, or a general feeling that you probably do need more help, for example, a professional can offer more in-depth options that can help you through these difficult times. If you don't have a professional that you trust, you can find a selection of qualified professionals online at UCompare HealthCare.

Additional Stress Management Resources

In addition to whatever steps you take to relieve the stress of a financial crisis, it’s a very good idea to maintain some ongoing stress management habits for your physical and emotional wellbeing. The following resources can be found on this site, free of charge:
  • Free Weekly Newsletter
    This newsletter comes twice a week to provide you with the latest research on stress as well as ongoing information and resources for leading a less-stressed life. Each newsletter includes links to current discussions from the forum, relevant quizzes or polls, and information you can use to make simple and effective changes in your life to reduce stress right now.

  • Free E Courses
    My stress management e courses provide you with more in-depth information on various stress management topics, as well as tools you can use to better understand your own situation, make positive changes, review your progress and connect with others.

  • Stress Reduction Resources
    For several other ways to get more out of the site, see this list of free stress reduction resources that you can begin using right now! Also, scroll down for more resources.

Feature Navigation
Page 1: Remaining Calm
Page 2: Changing Your Perspective
Page 3: Planning For The Future
Page 4: Getting Help

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