Washington County Weekend Post

GMTODAY.COM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 • WASHINGTON COUNTY POST • 3A (BPT) - The global coron- avirus pandemic has caused emotional distress and financial upheaval for people around the world. Many Americans are dealing with daunting issues that could jeopardize their financial future, whether it's unex- pected health care costs, unemployment and loss of income, the market's impact on 401(k)s and other invest- ments, or the need to post- pone retirement plans. With these COVID-19 disruptions come financial anxiety and increased emotional concern that can become all-consum- ing and greatly impact your mental health. With new challenges daily, it's important to con- sider the mental toll of these financial stresses. Mental Health Awareness Month is a time for global awareness to advocate and provide sup- port for those who are over- come with physical and men- tal angst. It's a good reminder to use this month as a time to reflect and tackle new methods to deal with the anxiety and stress you're fac- ing. Amanda Clayman, financial therapist and Pru- dential's financial wellness advocate, can help you to tackle these issues head on and cope with these feelings to find your way through this challenging time. Clayman offers these tips on how to ease your mind and overcome the emotional distress caused by the vari- ous financial changes and uncertainties experienced during the pandemic. 1. Pause and reflect on delayed plans: Many are feeling an overwhelming sense of disappointment and despair in numerous aspects of life. From missing mile- stones for children and grandchildren to job loss or postponed retirement plans, these are moments that we attach to emotionally. Feel- ings of loss and sadness are tangible but it's important to take a step back and appreci- ate that many things are out- side of your control right now. Instead of reacting emotionally, ground yourself with the understanding that what may be out of reach at the moment will be back within your control and reach at the right time. Tak- ing time to get fresh air, exercise and have some alone time are things that can keep your body in a more regulated state to reduce your stress levels. This way you can approach these financial struggles and deci- sions with a more open and relaxed mind. 2. Re-evaluate your budget and household needs: Unnerving life dis- ruptions, such as unemploy- ment, often affect the whole family and cause a shift in dynamics. Many of us could be experiencing a role rever- sal, whether you were an empty nester that has since welcomed your adult chil- dren back under your roof, or if you are now relying on your children for financial support due to loss of income. We all feel the weight of the pandemic, but we need to do our best to adapt to these changes both emotionally and financially. Use this time to track your spending habits and re-eval- uate your budget to see what you need for day-to-day expenses to keep your family fed, connected and safe. Don't make any drastic changes to your budget, but make sure your basic needs are going to be met for as long as possible. This will put you in a more grounded place and ease some of the financial weight you are bearing. 3. Stay centered and connected: The pandemic has created a sense of isola- tion and loneliness for many around the world. With tech- nology, we have the opportu- nity to continue connecting with friends, family and your community. It's essen- tial to be open and honest with others about the emo- tional and financial stress we are feeling, as the new dynamics of balancing work and home life are a new chal- lenge for us all. In these uncertain times, encourage discussion and create an open dialogue with your loved ones about needs and financial responsibilities. Adapting to a new routine, inclusive of compromise and conversation in and out of your household, creates a safe space for your family unit. As we all navigate this emotionally challenging time, remember to stay pre- sent and grounded in the facts, and try to avoid focus- ing on worst-case scenarios. These reminders are key for your mental health and emo- tional stability, Clayman says. We could all use some extra time and reflection to ensure we are prioritizing how our financial lives impact our emotional health. Remember to be purposeful in your decisions, not impul- sive; and be deliberate with your approach, yet hopeful for the future. For more information on how to deal with financial anxiety, visit Prudential's Newsroom. Financial anxiety weighing on your mental health? Try these tips Women have made great strides in various indus- tries over the first two decades of the 21st century. Highly publicized pursuits of gender equality, such as the ongoing gender discrim- ination lawsuit by the Unit- ed States Women's National Team against the U.S. Soc- cer Federation, have done much to further the cause for women in a great num- ber of industries. But the fight for equality is far from over, as evidenced by the array of fields that remain predominantly male. In 2017, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics tracked the percentages of women in a variety of pro- fessions, ultimately finding that many professions are male-dominated. For exam- ple, the BLS found that only 20 percent of software devel- opers were female, while roughly 63 percent of finan- cial analysts are male. Each of those fields can be lucra- tive, suggesting women can benefit greatly from making inroads into these profes- sions and others in which they are underrepresented. Women may face an uphill battle as they look to estab- lish themselves and subse- quently thrive in male-dom- inated fields. That challenge can be overcome by employ- ing various strategies. • Build your network. Networking is essential for modern professionals. According to a global survey of nearly 16,000 LinkedIn members across 17 countries, 79 percent of professionals agree that networking is valuable for career progression. Net- working also can make it easier for women to thrive in male-dominated fields, as they can seek advice from professional col- leagues, male and female, about hurdles they can expect. In addition, profes- sional networks can serve as support networks as well. That can be invaluable as women face the challenge of establishing themselves in male-dominated fields. • Work with profes- sional women's organiza- tions. Many professional organizations now cater exclusively to women with- in certain professions. Working with these groups places women in direct con- tact with peers with varying levels of experience. That means women will have access to people who have faced and overcome chal- lenges at various phases of their careers. • Work with your employer. Wage gaps have narrowed in many profes- sions, but that's not the only way industries have become more accommodating to women. Many businesses now recognize the need to change not just their pay structures, but also their working environments to make them more accommo- dating to women. Women who encounter problems at work, such as routine resis- tance to their ideas and input, should discuss such frustrations with their employers. Women working in male- dominated fields face many challenges. But such chal- lenges can be overcome in various ways. How women can make their way in male-dominated fields

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