Financial stress is common if you are forced into frugality because of a lost job, divorce, death in the family, or being over your head in debt, etc. This can lead to feelings of insecurity, fear, anxiety, anger, and, of course, depression.

These feelings can also cause you to make poor money management decisions. These poor decisions can lead to heavy debt loads, and start a vicious cycle of fear, anxiety, and panic that never seems to end.

When you reach this point, your feelings of helplessness and hopelessness can become so overwhelming you literally stop functioning in the real world. Believe me, I know this from experience.

Understanding, Acceptance & Getting Help

If you recognize any of the above traits in yourself, get the help you need. Talk to a friend, loved one, your doctor, pastor, a debt counselor ... but talk to someone! If you know someone who is exhibiting the above traits, help them! It doesn't matter whether you lend an ear, offer some advice, or help them get counseling, do something!

The first thing you have to realize, understand, and accept is that no situation is hopeless. With just a little guidance, a couple well thought out goals, and emotional support from family and friends, you can do what needs to be done and come out of dire circumstances with a new outlook, new skills, and best of all, a new feeling of self-esteem. Don't let anyone tell you different, and if they do, close the door they came in, behind them!