May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Let’s work together to #BreakTheStigma. Each year millions of Americans experience living with a mental illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year and that more than 50% will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lives. You are #NotAlone.
During the past year, we have all experienced the heightened anxiety of a global pandemic for over a year. Some of us may have lost family or close friends due to the pandemic and are dealing with the grief of loss. Some of us have not seen family or friends in-person for many months and are awaiting the time when we can be together again safely. To say it has been an extraordinary year is an understatement.
The impact of the pandemic has affected us all profoundly. This shared experience has, however, affected us all very differently and to varying degrees. If you lost your job, were furloughed, or your business had to close, you likely had more to worry about than just the pandemic and keeping your family safe and healthy. You were probably worried about money.
According to this article published in Fortune in January, 2021, a total of 9.8 million people had lost their jobs since February of 2020 due to the pandemic induced recession. Of that total, 5.4 million were women and almost 2.1 million women have dropped out of the workforce entirely.
When we experience financial stress, it takes a toll on our mental well-being in ways we cannot always articulate. People can experience symptoms such as sleeplessness, anxiety, lack of focus, even stomach cramps or headaches - all of which do not appear prevalent to the outside world. However, these symptoms can and do exist due to stress-related concerns about money. If you want to talk about it, I am here to listen.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health concern, please reach out for professional assistance. The CDC has several resources to access services on their website here: https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/tools-resources/individuals/index.htm
Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. ~ J.M. Barrie
Wendy Althen
Founder | Althen Financial Solutions, LLC
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