Newswise — Realty experts are saying that more than $200 billion in adjustable rate mortgages are scheduled to reset during the second half of 2008. Many Americans could soon be facing the harsh reality of foreclosure.
For most people, their homes are not just a place to live. Homes tie people to the community and social activities, to the familiar faces of neighbors, to friends and to a sense of belonging. Foreclosure brings with it, not only the loss of one's home, but also a myriad of emotions.
"Foreclosure means there has been a breach in financial security and that's very scary. Losing a home also brings up issues of abandonment, rejection and isolation for the entire family," says Edythe Harvey, MD, medical director of The Menninger Clinic's Hope Program. "Even a planned move is considered a huge stressor for most people; so when you are being forced into a move because of foreclosure, it can trigger all sorts of feelings."
Just as there are ways to deal with the financial ramifications of foreclosure, there are also ways to work through the emotional side of it. Dr. Harvey offers the following tips:1. Acknowledge your feelings. When we withhold our emotions, negative pileup occurs. Find someone to talk to or use a creative outlet such as writing or drawing to express your feelings.
2. Avoid connecting negative thoughts to your feelings. Instead of the notion "I am a bad person for letting this happen," try focusing on more productive thinking, "this is a bad experience, but I am going to work hard to remedy the situation."
3. Live in the moment. While we need to learn from the past and plan for the future, regret and anxiety over things we have no control of is wasted energy. Take each day as it comes. Apply the lessons you have learned to today's situations.
4. Reassure your family. If you have children, help them identify their feelings about moving. Assure them that although you are sad to be leaving your home, you are going to work hard to make sure your new home will be as nice as you can make it.
5. Ask for help. Whether it is from a financial counselor or a mental health advisor, if you think you are in over your head, seek out assistance.
"People get caught up in not reaching out for support, especially emotional support. For some reason, it is seen as a sign of weakness. That's just not so. There are times when we all need a little help," says Dr. Harvey.
About The Menninger ClinicThe Menninger Clinic is a nonprofit international specialty psychiatric center, providing treatment, research and education. Founded in 1925 in Kansas, Menninger relocated to Houston in 2003 and is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. Since 1991, Menninger has been named among the leading psychiatric hospitals in U.S.News & World Report's annual ranking of America's Best Hospitals. Menninger is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
RSS