More Moms Turning to Drugs and Alcohol to Cope with Recession

When times are tough, many people turn to the matriarch of the family to keep things together. But what happens when mom is turning to drugs and alcohol to cope with the stress and depression brought on by the recent economic recession?

A survey conducted in May 2009 by Momlogic.com showed that one in three moms are using alcohol, drugs, gambling, and overeating to cope with the financial crises that many families are experiencing. The survey also showed that 64% of moms are feeling intense negative emotions, 50% are less satisfied with their lives now than before the economic crisis, and 80% of moms with partners who have lost their jobs feel overwhelmed.

Jill Spivack, a psychotherapist and mother of two, offers the following advice for mothers who are turning to risky behaviors due to the stress of financial hardship:

1.) Remember that you are not alone. Although you may feel isolated, there are hundreds of thousands of women who are going through the same thing. Talk to friends and other mothers for support.

2.) Let loved ones help you. Rather than turning to vices, turn to your partner, family members, and friends who can support you and help lighten your load.

3.) Increase physical activity. Exercise is a healthy, natural way to relieve anxiety and depression. Even if you can only squeeze in 15 minutes of exercise, yoga, or meditation a day, your mood will lift and your anxiety will decrease.

4.) Maintain a positive attitude. Remember that your children and other family members need you to be there for them, so try to stay as positive as possible. Make a list of the positive things in your life (your children, partner, family members, etc.) and review it daily.

Although economic downturns are scary, remember that the economy will turn around—it always does. Using drugs and alcohol will only make matters worse—you’ll not only be jeopardizing your health, but the health and well-being of your children and other family members. Abusing drugs and alcohol will only add to your stress, making your problems seem worse than they really are. During these tough economic times, focus on the good things in your life and find healthy, safe ways to lift your spirits.

Source: Momlogic.com, Jill Spivack, The Recession is Driving Moms to Drink, May 12, 2009