How to Have a Healthy Mind During the Recession

Step 1: Check with insurance
If you are employed and you do have medical insurance, this is the first thing you should do. Check with your insurance provider to find out exactly what is covered. If your insurance pays for mental health visits, then this is something you should consider. 

Step 2: Consider unemployment insurance
If you are unemployed you may want to consider getting a temporary insurance policy designed for those who currently don't have jobs. Make sure the policy has mental health benefits and that you understand the ins and outs of the policy before you commit.

Step 3: Consider taking calming herbs
If you are feeling stressed about the economy, use herbs to try to prevent your mental health situation from getting bad. Having trouble sleeping at night? Does your nervous system feel frazzled? Gentle herbs like chamomile, stinging nettle and oatstraw can really help calm your nervous system.

These herbs are gentle enough to take each day in the form of a tea. Just don't take nettle if you're taking medication to thin the blood like Coumadin; the Vitamin K content in nettle causes blood clots.

Step 4: Consider counseling
If you do need someone to talk to about your mental health, consider making an appointment with a counselor. Counselors are highly trained and can maybe help you work out what's bothering you.

Step 5: Get financial help
Chances are, a lot of your stress might be caused by money. If this is the case, you might want to consider getting financial help. If you're unemployed you could be collecting unemployment, for example. Also take advantage of any other government programs you might be eligible for such as disability or food stamps (see Resources below for some links to financial help options).

Step 6: Check with the state
What kinds of unemployment benefits are you actually entitled to? Some states may allow you to get counseling or offer some kind of mental health support. Determine what kinds of options are available if you are unemployed.