Posted on 12/16/2008 9:53:43 AM PST by NYer
NEW YORK (Reuters) - A paralegal, recently laid off, wanted to get back at the "establishment" that he felt was to blame for his lost job. So when he craved an expensive new tie, he went out and stole one.
The story, relayed by psychiatrist Timothy Fong at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital, is an example of the rash behaviors exhibited by more Americans as a recession undermines a lifestyle built on spending.
In the coming months, mental health experts expect a rise in theft, depression, drug use, anxiety and even violence as consumers confront a harsh new reality and must live within diminished means.
"People start seeing their economic situation change, and it stimulates a sort of survival panic," said Gaetano Vaccaro, deputy clinical director of Moonview Sanctuary, which treats patients for emotional and behavioral disorders.
"When we are in a survival panic, we are prone to really extreme behaviors."
The U.S. recession that took hold in December last year has threatened personal finances in many ways as home prices fall, investments sour, retirement funds shrink, access to credit diminishes and jobs evaporate.
It is also a rude awakening for a generation of shoppers who grew up on easy access to credit and have never had to limit purchases to simply what they needed or could afford.
Instead, buying and consuming have become part of the national culture, with many people using what is in their shopping bags to express their own identity, from the latest gadgets to designer handbags.
For those who need to abruptly curtail spending, that leaves a major void, said James Gottfurcht, clinical psychologist and president of "Psychology of Money Consultants," which coaches clients on money issues.
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
Given this, I think as long as Oprah exists suburban housewives will be happy. If she goes off the air I think we might see a bunch of women waving New Age books screeching about how to be ‘saved.’
In the case of the tie-stealer, I suggest counseling to help with his angst, followed by a 2x4 to the head to help with his stupidity.
Realistically, how much “stuff” do we really need?
He's not very creative. There are much better, more effective ways to get back at the greedy SOB's and corrupt politicians that have drove this country to the brink.
A roof over my head, food on the table, my family around me, a good book, and a warm blankie.
I'm a simple man to keep happy. Just ask my wife. ;^)
She has to wear her old clothes? Oh cry me a river.
In other Reuters news:
Dog Bites Man
Sun Rises in East AGAIN, When will it stop?
Women are Different from most Men.
Women and Children hit hardest by just about everything.
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The music has stopped, and now everyone is rushing for the chairs...only to discover that all the chairs are missing 'cause they were used as collateral for the mortgage. |
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“followed by a 2x4 to the head..” to help his old ties fit better.
Many of which she's probably never worn.
The “stuff”, or materialism, is just a ploy to keep our eyes off God.
I see you getting a notice to report to the nearest ‘re-education camp’!
You have turned into a nation of superlative idiots.
Everytime it rains, it’s the storm of the century, the worst disaster since Vesuvius, or some other rubbish.
Calling it a “panic” is in the same style. I would call it an “awareness”.
But “panic” sells more books and prompts more people to sign up for a seminar somewhere.
And she probably can’t fit into them anymore and has kept them in the hopes that she’ll be able to squeeze into them after the next diet.
Click the image for more fun and games.
Thank you so much!
Truth be told.
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