Anne Woods: A Weekend for Superheroes
Economy Driving Moms to Drink
Filed under: Work Life
Is this your economic survival strategy? Image: sxc.hu
Making ends meet can be a tough job, and in many families, it is one that falls squarely on Mom's shoulders. Whether she works outside the home or not, she makes most of the family's purchasing decisions and is often the first to make sacrifices when things get tight.
But in these unusual times, even the toughest mom can find herself overwhelmed by the stress of trying to keep it together for the sake of the family. A recent survey by MomLogic found that 64% of moms say they feel intensely negative emotions these days and half are less satisfied with their lives now than before the economic downturn. And the recession has impacted family planning as well with 27% of moms aged 25 to 34 saying that while they want more children, they are holding off because of the economy.
In families where a partner has lost a job, the news is even worse. 80% admit to feeling overwhelmed and half say they spend more time fighting than having sex.
As bad as all that sounds, it gets worse. The survey found that one in three moms admit to turning to alcohol, food, drugs and/or gambling to help them cope. This is not good. Long after the economy recovers, moms who turn to such vices may find themselves with even bigger problems -- ones that cannot be fixed with a lower interest rate or a pay raise.
Psychologist and mother Jill Spivack has some advice to help prevent a post-recession world of strung out, overweight and addicted moms. Her tips may seem obvious but they also may be just what a stressed-out mom needs to hear.
First and foremost, put down the bottle and the bag of chips. Delete your online gambling account and don't even think about doing drugs. Remind yourself that you are not alone and that there are thousands of moms going through the same thing. Make a list of what is right and good in your life to help balance out what may be less than perfect at this moment.
As long as you are juggling those bills and stretching those dollars, go ahead and make it part of your exercise routine. Physical activity, whether it be exercising, playing sports or doing yoga, has been proven to relieve stress.
And most importantly, don't feel like you have to take it on all by yourself. Ask for help from your partner, your friends, your parents. That's what they are there for. And if you still feel like you are about to go over the edge, don't be afraid to seek help from a professional.
What are your strategies for managing the stress of the current economy? Take our poll, and share with us in the comments.
| I'm praying. | |
|---|---|
| I'm drinking. | |
| I'm overeating. | |
| I'm just living my life like I was before. |
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ReaderComments (Page 2 of 2)
5-21-2009 @ 1:39PM
SKL said...Oh, I have less money now, duh, how about I spend more on booze. As long as I can blame someone else, that makes it OK, right?
When are you going to go create a job and hire someone so they can bitch about you not giving them enough hours? You ought to be thankful someone is paying your ignorant, irresponsible, whiney butt at all.
As far as not having kids - if you think the economy is going to get better, wouldn't now be the best time to have kids? I mean, there aren't that many jobs anyway, might as well stay home and give your kids a good start on life and then go back to work when they are bigger. It hardly costs anything to raise a little one if you don't have to pay for day care and are willing to breastfeed, shop second-hand, and use cloth diapers. Later you can save for their higher education once the economy gets better. Makes sense to me, anyway.
5-21-2009 @ 10:46PM
Gardy said...I am living simply which I have been doing for the past 3 years being tossed out of a good paying State Job because of Degenerative Arthritis in my hands, back, neck, arms and knees. I was let us admit :falling down on the job" literally. However, I was still the dedicated State Employee who worked 10 hr. days...that would be 2 hours without PAY, and on Weekends as well...in order to manage an imposible caseload for Child Protective Services. But being single and caring about the parents, children and foster parents I worked with, I was exceptionally commited to them. I had been a nun for 15 years, and still was living the life but not in the Catholic Church any longer. So, I used what extra money I had to buy clothes and shoes for the children, because the State would give each child who came in to foster care a ONE TIME small payment for clothing. Uh, you know children DO grow. At any rate, I choose to learn to live SIMPLY on SSDI of $1,068.00 and no health care for two years. I now have Medicare but still live on $1,068.00 and pay monthly for Rent, Utilities, Car Insurance, A Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plan, Phone, Auto Gas, and food with the little left over. I live on rice, beans, fresh brocolli, carrots, spinach and yogart as a treat. I eat once a day as my Medication Expenses for numerous Health Issues is still costly even with my Medicare Supplemental Insurance. So, I live simply, and have numerous surgeries I am about to under go. I cannot imagine how a family of 4 live on $1,000 + a month. One thing I can say is that, I do feel the UNFAIRNESS of this Great Recession does have a silver lining. Families, are not buying STUFF to buy STUFF, and they are spending more time together, like I did when I was growing up in simpler times during the 1950's. We did not have many toys, we played in the back yards and made things out of trees, bushes, mud, etc. We read a lot, we played kick the can, hide and seek......we HAD FUN and we have creative imaginations and we were thin kids. Soooooo while I admit to Anger with the Crooks of Wall Street, and Banking Industry etc.... I encourage all to look at the silver lining and find Happiness in what Relationships offer in family and frienships.
Reply
5-25-2009 @ 1:42PM
chris said...One who is that easily lured towards addictions of any kind probably was already headed in that direction, and the blight of the economy is just an excuse to indulge. I wouldn't ever judge anyone for the personal choices they make for themselves, harmful or not, but when children are involved- knock it off. I find it very selfish when people make the choice to bring children into the world when they are already barely equipped to take care of themselves. Those who don't have the emotional means to put their children first and foremost irregardless of whatever strife might arise would do well to leave child bearing to those who actually understand that children are a privilege, not a right nor a status-quo. If you don't want to give up having an independent, carefree life where you can do whatever you want, then don't have any children. And if you've already had kids, but realized now that you kinda wish you had your life back- well too late, too bad. You made your choice so suck it up, and be a good parent and love your children- which means BEING with them, supporting and loving them- and not a whole lot more, really. It's pretty simple, it just isn't always easy. And honestly- I hope that, if nothing else, in these times of cutting costs and living more sparsely that people can maybe get back to the basics and remember that it isn't things or possessions that are important- it's family, friends and pets. Loved ones make the world go round- not loved "things"...
Reply
6-16-2009 @ 2:48PM
Ihateichppl said...HAHAAAA!!!
I have ALWAYS been poor and now it's even worse!!
Oh well, at least I've lost and kept off a crapload of weight due to my Lack-Of-Budget-Induced Anorexia.
Plus, does anyone else feel like their kids are 100% more aggravating now more than ever? Hmmm, maybe it's just the age they're at and the stress of losing our home, car and computer all in less than a year.
Oh! Let's not forget my 4 year old Daughter getting diagnosed with Type1 Diabetes as well. Aaahhhh, my life is soooo great!
Reply
6-16-2009 @ 3:00PM
SexyLeslie said...OMG, SKL..
Kids are EXPENSIVE AS SH*T!!! Nevermind if they have a health condition..UGH..I'm not even getting into this one!
Reply
6-16-2009 @ 3:08PM
SKL said...Please explain? I have two toddlers and I don't understand what all the fuss is about.