Dealing with the emotional impact

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Are there any particular worries or concerns that I can't get out of my mind? If so, what are they?
How much exercise am I getting?
What is my sleep and diet like?
Am I drinking alcohol, smoking or taking drugs more than before the loss?
How is my general health? Should I go to the doctor for a check up?
Are there any pre-existing medical conditions that may be aggravated by a period of stress?
Do I have family members and friends to whom I can turn for support?

Tips to help you stay on top of your emotions

• Write down your worries. You may find it useful to write down your worries and concerns and then use the problem-solving strategies to identify some practical steps you can take to address those issues. Identify the specific feelings you are experiencing and the concern/worry that may be underlying each of these feelings. For example, are you worried about not being able to pay the rent or your mortgage, or are you feeling worried or ashamed about losing your job? Writing these down may help you decide which issues to tackle first.
  
  
• Get support. Identify friends and family members who you can talk to and who will help you to remain positive.
  
  
• Stay healthy. Try to maintain a balanced diet and get some regular exercise, for example, walking. Evidence shows regular exercise can boost mood . See beyondblue Fact sheet 30 - Healthy eating and Fact sheet 8 - Keeping active.
  
  
• Avoid drugs and alcohol. You may be tempted to 'self-medicate' or try to temporarily escape your reality. Not only can drugs and alcohol worsen your emotional state and increase your risk of developing depression, they will also place a further drain on your finances. See beyondblue Fact sheet 9 - Reducing alcohol and other drugs.
  
  
• If you do have a pre-existing medical condition that may be aggravated by stress, talk to your doctor to see if there is anything you can do to minimise any negative effects.
  
  
• Don't expect to have all the answers. Remind yourself that it's OK to feel unsure about the future.
  
  
• Be patient with yourself. Recovery from any significant loss takes time.
  
  
• Draw on your strengths. Try to recall when you've had a tough time which you've managed to overcome in the past. Think about what worked then and apply it to your current situation.
  
  
• Choose your news. During this time, you're likely to be exposed regularly to sensational and pessimistic media reports about the economic downturn. Think objectively about what you see or read in the media and try not to get swept up in unnecessary panic.
  
  
• Realise you are not alone. Take comfort in knowing the feeling of uncertainty you're experiencing is being shared by many others. By sharing your story with supportive friends and colleagues, you may find they're going through a similar situation.
  
  
• Try to see the positives. Many people have made positive changes to their lives during a crisis such as loss of job or finances. While this is difficult to do while you're in the midst of the crisis, you can try to view this time of uncertainty as an opportunity to re-evaluate your goals and perhaps take on new challenges.
  
  
• Don't obsess or ignore. It may be tempting to keep constantly checking the financial news or conversely, to completely ignore your financial problems e.g. not opening bills. Try not to do either. Think about the routine you had before the economic downturn and try to stick to it, e.g. paying bills as you receive them.