New England Psychologist - The Online Newspaper for Regions's Psychologists

Todd Farchione, Ph.D.

Todd Farchione, Ph.D. (photo by Tom Croke)

By Phyllis Hanlon

Psychologists are turning their attention to how current economic times are affecting mental health and what can be done to restore balance.

Even before the nation's financial climate imploded, Americans were feeling stressed. An American Psychological Association (APA) national survey last fall found one-third of Americans living with extreme stress; nearly half of Americans believe their stress has increased over the last five years.

The Associated Press, together with AOL, recently conducted a health poll that revealed physical symptoms as well as severe depression brought on by rising debt.

And, a study in the June issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine reports that employees who work overtime are at increased risk of anxiety and depression.

So are things getting worse and what can psychologists do to help?

Child/family specialist Kent E. Rude, Ph.D. who has a private practice in Reading, Mass., consults/trains to school programs and is affiliated with the Academy of North Reading, says that since 9/11 the American people have been "beaten down." [More]

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