Consumer

A Recession That Feels Like A Depression

In Broward, Call The Help Line 211

In Miami Dade, Call The Switchboard of Miami 305-358-4357

MIAMI (CBS4) ― We've been talking about the economy here in the newsroom and how it could send many of us into a depression. Between falling housing prices, rising gas prices, and a shortage of jobs many of you may have no where to turn. CBS4's Jorge Estevez found evidence that supports the connection between recession and depression and shows you what you can do right now to break the cycle.

Reading newspaper headlines, you find what many may consider depressing news. Florida's inflation is the highest in 17 years, read a Miami Herald headline. Hollywood proposes a property tax increase, read the Sun Sentinel. In Iraq a car bomb kills fifteen, read USA Today.

The tough times are sucking the life out of us every day. "I like washing cars and I like maintaining them," said Carlos Campos to CBS4's Jorge Estevez as Campos washed his client's car.

Campos has been detailing cars in South Florida for fifteen years. "I like to look at the car once I finishing washing it and see how glossy it looks," admitted Campos. But no matter how much he shines, business is down 300 dollars a week.

"The recession causes the emotional depression, " said Dr. William Samek who says, for South Florida, these times are second only to the tough times we had after Hurricane Andrew in 1992. "For about a month my practice stopped and all we talked about was the hurricane," explained Dr. Samek.

Now, all any of us are talking about is the tough economy. What to do? Keep your losses in perspective.

"It's not health and not the life of a loved one," said Dr. Samek. Really look at your options if you are losing your home like taking in roommates, negotiating with your mortgage company or even renting out the house. And don't spend money just to feel better. "Going out and spending money to make your self feel better when you are having financial problems makes as much sense as eating chocolate cake when you are overweight and feeling bad about being obese," said Dr. Samek.

And most importantly don't shut people out. Talking things out serves two purposes. One is that you get it off your chest and the other is that you realize you are not alone during these tough economic times.

"You need to talk to someone to see what they are doing and how they are feeling do you don't feel by yourself alone in the world," said Campos.

Everyone is feeling the squeeze, so don't let bad times drive you into a depression.

If you can't afford professional counseling then head to a local legal aid group to help steer you in the right direction.

In Miami Dade, call the Switchboard of Miami (305-358-4357) and in Broward call the help line (211)

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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