Stretched Thin

Stretched Thin

The most recent issue of Journeys, the journal of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors was dedicated to the theme, "Stretched Thin." It held moving stories of pastoral psychotherapists and patients in chronic pain, both physical and emotional. Some of the stories had to do with spiritual and emotional struggles or being stretched thin in ethical dilemmas.

Being stretched thin financially leads many to being stretched thin emotionally. Yes, the economic indicators are improving but it continues to be hard on individuals and families. The level of anxiety in those with whom I am counseling has risen in the last couple years. This has also led to difficulties with children and marital relationships. 

My "Between Employment" group continues to be filled.

Even those who are still employed are being stretched thin. They may have a job today, but they no longer feel they can count on the future. For older and retired folk, many have lost significant amounts of their retirement income and can no longer recover it.

Because of our cultural proclivity, to do a lot of our spending and gifting during these holidays, much of the pain is experienced at a deeper emotional level now; parents can't afford to fulfill children's wishes or give family members a material token of their love. Of course we will tell them that their love is the most important thing--and it is--but they may still feel that they have failed. Even worse when real, hard needs can't be fulfilled.

My work in chaplaincy at the hospital provides me the privilege of deep conversations with nurses and doctors. We often think that health care jobs are relatively secure, but even as the patient load increases, new positions are not opened. The present staff is forced to more and higher work-loads, as some positions are reduced from full-time to part-time. Many are stretched thin.

There are many ways our parishioners, members and clients are stretched thin even in good economic times. Current economic strains just put that much more pressure on every relationship and even on spiritual life. 

For some, stress leads to depression; depression can lead to suicide. Add to this the increased post-holiday incidence of depression that we usually see.

Being stretched thin can lead to situational anxiety and then to chronic anxiety and depression. The Mayo Clinic makes the connection. While admitting that depression is not adequately understood, they say, "Although anxiety and depression are regarded as two distinct disorders, it's quite common to have both at the same time. . . Treatments for anxiety and depression must include psychological counseling (psychotherapy)." 

Helping your loved ones depends on your awareness of their plight. For most, just a word of encouragement may be enough. But for some, the best course of action will be to encourage them to find professional help with a credentialed pastoral psychotherapist or other mental health counselor.