Psychological Impact of a Harsh Economy on a Family.

How can the family grow healthy and peaceful in this difficult economic situation?

By Aboderin Enoch Timilehin

Psalm 33:18-22 KJV

[18] Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, Upon them that hope in his mercy;

[19] To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.

[20] Our soul waiteth for the LORD: He is our help and our shield.

[21] For our heart shall rejoice in him, Because we have trusted in his holy name.

[22] Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, According as we hope in thee.

https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.33.18-22.KJV

Psychological Impact of a Harsh Economy on a Family.

The family unit is a basic societal unit in every sense of it; however little this unit is, it is influenced by quite several factors.

Often these little issues are the foxes that progress to spoil the whole bunch.

In this piece, we will be exploring how a harsh economy can psychologically impact a family,

and how, amid the unfavourable climate, we can build a family that is not traumatised or scarred.

In science, it is taught that an action begets a reaction and that a chemical reaction produces products.

I began with that to establish that “life would always happen.”

Moreover, I think that it is also very normal to have a reaction to life happening,

and more precisely, I think every form of expressed emotion is valid:

the tears, the not talking about it, the ranting about it, everything aside from self-harm and hurting others.

And I think after emotions have been expressed, it is also necessary to think through the emotions and examine them.

Quite frankly, not a lot of people have the epic bounceback that is expected of people, and that again is fine.

Where problems begin to build is when our emotions are not examined and thus cannot be explained, which ends up hurting the people we care about.

In Nigeria, most recently, we have been passing through a phase of economic uncertainty;

this, of course, has resulted in inflation, the highest we have experienced as a nation.

It is quite an unrealistic expectation to not expect a reaction from people,

which, in all honesty, isn’t often directed to people but most times a reaction to the situation that people are going through.

Quickly, I will be exploring some psychological effects of the harsh economy on families.

Psychological Impact of a Harsh Economy on a Family.

Parental Stress

Parental stress is the emotional strain experienced by parents due to the challenges and responsibilities of raising children in this discussion, influenced by financial strains.

This can be characterised by increased irritability and parents getting so easily frustrated,

which evolves to so many arguments and conflicts at the home front.

Parental stress could also be characterised by the neglectful behaviour of parents.

The harsh reality can make parents so overwhelmed by their own struggles and begin to neglect the needs of their children.

This particularly poses a bigger problem, as children could seek comfort outside the safety of family,

and be vulnerable to irresponsible adults who would take advantage of them.

Marital Strain

Marital strain refers to the stress and tension that can arise within a marriage or committed relationship again in the context of this writing,

..which is caused by financial and economic hardships.

This would be characterised by increased arguments and conflicts between spouses.

This can grow into one spouse feeling resentful or bitter towards the other for their perceived lack of effort or contribution.

The progression would lead to decreased intimacy and connection between spouses and end in divorce.

There could be many other themes that we can explore in relation to the matter on the ground,

such as intergenerational conflict and the peculiarities of single parenthood at this time; however,

I would like to keep this within the contexts explored above and, in a later post, explore the other aforementioned dynamic.

Having put a name to what challenges can arise from economic hardship,

it would be best to proffer some solutions that can foster healthy relationships in families.

Psychological Impact of a Harsh Economy on a Family.

Before exploring, I would say that walking these solutions is a journey to a destination,

so, it definitely would not be immediate or spontaneous, and this is why it is necessary to keep at it till we arrive near and towards perfection.

Let’s dig right in.

Family Communication:

Encourage open and honest communication within the family about financial concerns and emotions.

A valid channel of navigating these periods would be to always ensure to communicate within spousal relationships,

and to children when involved and very sincerely, not just bland communication as, for example:

“We are not using electricity overnight!”

but open-ended discussions such as:

“We are not using electricity tonight because tariffs have gotten higher and we cannot afford that at this time.”

This way you have provided a down tone and a reason to help, particularly children, understand the situation around the decision.

Please encourage questions.

In the large scheme of things, questioning makes people feel seen, and when these questions are asked, navigating them might be tough,

but please provide answers; don’t leave these questions at the cliffhanger hanging and not get a response.

The goal is not to always get desired responses but to get an understanding of situations.

Seeking Professional Help:

Professional help, such as therapy or counselling, can be a valuable tool for navigating the psychological impact of economic hardship.

While many individuals may be able to cope with these challenges on their own, there are times when seeking professional support is essential.

I know in the Nigerian scope, seeking therapy is a new terrain;

however, it is very important because Therapy provides you with an avenue to discuss your issues without necessary filters and get help for them.

There are indicators that should signify a cry for help, such as persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or depression.

If you find yourself struggling to manage stress, anxiety, or anger related to financial difficulties….,

…thoughts of self-harm or suicide, substance abuse or addiction, and difficulty making decisions or concentrating,

seeking professional help would definitely be very beneficial.

Psychological Impact of a Harsh Economy on a Family.

Community Resources and Support:

As Nigerians, I think we are very communal people, and this could also go well for a larger populace. 

I am speaking for Nigerians, because I have lived life here, and I think as a people, we have not quite settled well in the gift of the communal relationships we have,

aside from functionalities, which is good; however, I believe much more can be achieved through these relationships. 

I know how difficult it can be to be vulnerable about issues, but I believe exploring the possibilities of it can help ease some stress.

Please speak out and do not drown in the abyss of silence.

Explore new opportunities:

Look for opportunities to increase income or reduce expenses.

Involve the entire family in brainstorming ways to increase income or reduce expenses.

This can foster a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility.

Encourage family members to develop new skills or hobbies that could lead to additional income or cost savings.

Create a family budget together.

This can help everyone understand where money is going and make informed decisions,

and it can also help family members set realistic financial expectations to avoid disappointments and frustrations.

Focus on quality time:

Prioritise spending quality time together as a family, creating positive memories; shift focus from material possessions to quality experiences together.

Explore free or low-cost activities that the family can enjoy, such as hiking, biking, or board games.

This would strengthen bonds and create lasting memories, plus leaving the home front in a tense-free state.

Navigating the psychological impact of a harsh economy on a family can be challenging,

but it’s possible to build a strong and resilient unit.

By building open communication, seeking professional help when needed, leveraging community resources,

exploring new opportunities, and prioritising quality time together, families can weather economic storms and emerge stronger.

Remember, a healthy family supports, encourages, and loves each other.

No matter the circumstances, even in the face of adversity, it’s possible to cultivate a healthy and peaceful family environment.

Also Read: Joy in Hard Times – Diademng (thediademng.org)

Psychological Impact of a Harsh Economy on a Family.