A Downward Spiral and a $7.8 Trillion Bailout

Today we had two unfortunate news breaks.

One from the Department of Commerce released a report that the annual rate of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) decreased by 0.5 percent in the third quarter of 2008. In real terms, that's recession talk for we are still getting screwed.

The other news release came from the Federal Reserve and the Department of Treasury, unveiling an additional $800 billion bailout plan to assist struggling industries and get the government kick-started back again. Again? Mind you, that's on top of the $700 billion all ready passed by Congress.

Well, let's check the new total. This brings us to $7.8 trillion dollars (yes, that's half of the U.S. economy) spent on bailing out spa-visiting, England-fox hunting, jet plane flying folks with barely a dime going toward the root of the credit freeze problem: supremely bundled and leveraged, sub-prime mortgage holders.

To better understand the state of the U.S. economy and where all this money is coming from click here, else go to your nearest central bank to make some cash.

What does recession depression have to do with suicide, you may ask? When harsh economic figures can only be compared to those from the Great Depression, then the suicide rate becomes an economic indicator. A year after Hurricane Katrina suicide rates increased three-fold and 20 percent of the population suffered from post-traumatic stressed disorder. Since there does not seem to be an end to the downward spiraling economy in the near future should we just wait for the numbers of suicide victims to increase to say, "See, I told you so!"

This is when I down for a preemptive strike.

What to do? Do not judge others. Be vigilant for symptoms of depression. Talk to a mental health professional. Can't afford one? Talk to folks, friends, family, anyone with an understanding ear. If you can't find someone make a mental note of calling the Suicide Lifeline at a regular time. Hey, that's what they are there for. Use them.

According to professionals, there's a thin line between hurting yourself and hurting others. Going through recession depression is by no means an insular experience. However, there's truth to the saying that misery loves company. Don't wallow in the sadness, do things that make you happy, treat yourself well and gently. Give yourself permission to be selfish. Eat well. Exercise. Measure your progress. Every little step counts.

I know all this is easier said than done, but start somewhere. Even, if it's filing your toe nails. 90-year-old, Addie Polk (see blog title link) can tell you all about what it means to have a second chance at managing stress and acquiring better coping skills.

Let's give recession depression a run for its money.

The Afterw@rd