New Brunswick, like the rest of Canada and indeed much of the world, has experienced significant economic turbulence in recent years. From the lingering effects of global supply chain disruptions to persistent inflation, rising interest rates, and housing affordability crises, these economic shifts are not merely numbers on a spreadsheet. They translate directly into tangible pressures on household budgets, daily choices, and ultimately, the mental well-being of families across our province.
At S. R. Wellness and Media, we continually observe how these broader economic currents ripple through the lives of the individuals and families we serve. The constant worry about making ends meet, the struggle to afford necessities, and the increasing burden of debt are not just financial problems; they are profound stressors that can erode psychological resilience, strain relationships, and significantly impact overall mental health. Understanding this intricate link is crucial for navigating these challenging times with greater awareness and support.
The Direct Line Between Economic Stress and Mental Health
The relationship between financial hardship and mental well-being is well-documented. When families face economic uncertainty or declining purchasing power, the stress can manifest in numerous ways:
- Elevated Anxiety and Worry: The most immediate impact is often a pervasive sense of anxiety. Parents worry about putting food on the table, paying the rent or mortgage, covering childcare costs, and affording extracurricular activities for their children. This constant low-grade hum of worry can escalate into clinical anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and obsessive thoughts about money. A 2023 Ipsos poll for MNP LTD revealed that 55% of Atlantic Canadians felt more anxious due to inflation and high interest rates, highlighting this regional impact.
- Increased Stress and Irritability: Financial strain often leads to heightened stress levels, making individuals more irritable, short-tempered, and less patient. This can spill over into family dynamics, leading to more frequent arguments, communication breakdowns, and a generally tense household atmosphere.
- Feelings of Helplessness and Hopelessness: When despite best efforts, families feel they are falling behind, it can foster feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. This can be particularly debilitating, contributing to symptoms of depression, a loss of motivation, and a diminished sense of control over one’s life.
- Sleep Disturbances: The brain’s constant engagement with financial worries can make it difficult to “switch off” at night, leading to insomnia, restless sleep, and chronic fatigue, which further compounds existing mental health challenges.
- Physical Health Manifestations: Chronic stress from economic pressures can also manifest physically, leading to headaches, digestive issues, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. The body and mind are inextricably linked.
How Economic Shifts Specifically Affect New Brunswick Families
New Brunswick faces its own unique set of economic dynamics that can amplify these stressors:
- Housing Affordability Crisis: While often perceived as more affordable than larger Canadian cities, New Brunswick has seen a significant increase in housing costs, both for rentals and home ownership. The proportion of income spent on housing has risen, placing immense pressure on family budgets. This can lead to precarious housing situations, overcrowding, or forcing families to live far from work or support networks, all of which negatively impact mental health. Inadequate access to safe and affordable housing has been linked to increased mental health issues and substance use health.
- Food Insecurity: The sharp rise in grocery prices has made it challenging for many New Brunswick families to afford nutritious food. Food insecurity directly correlates with increased risks of anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and eating disorders. When families struggle to adequately feed themselves or their children, the emotional toll is profound.
- Wage Stagnation (for some sectors): While some sectors are experiencing growth, others may see wages struggle to keep pace with the rising cost of living, widening the gap between income and expenses for many families.
- Vulnerability in Rural Areas: Rural New Brunswick families might face additional challenges, such as higher transportation costs due to longer commutes to work or services, and fewer local employment opportunities.
- Child Poverty Rates: Reports consistently highlight significant child poverty rates in various New Brunswick cities and across the province. For instance, in Saint John, over a quarter of children were living in poverty in 2021, a rate higher than the provincial and national averages. Living in poverty as a child creates “chronic stress” within the household and has long-term impacts on mental health and future success, perpetuating cycles of hardship. Female-led lone-parent families are often disproportionately affected.
- Social Isolation due to Cost-Cutting: As families tighten their belts, discretionary spending is often the first to go. This can mean cutting back on social activities, dining out, or even visiting friends and family. A 2023 MNP LTD survey noted that over half of Atlantic Canadians were staying home more often (55%) and two in five socializing less (44%) to save money, leading to increased feelings of loneliness and isolation – an “inflation isolation.” This reduction in social interaction, a vital protective factor for mental health, can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and depression.
How Therapy Can Support Families Through Economic Hardship
While therapy cannot directly solve financial problems, it can provide crucial tools and support to navigate the immense psychological impact of economic shifts on families. At S. R. Wellness and Media, we approach these challenges with empathy and practical strategies:
- Coping Mechanisms for Stress and Anxiety: Therapists can teach families and individuals evidence-based techniques to manage the overwhelming feelings of stress and anxiety triggered by financial concerns. This includes mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and cognitive restructuring to challenge catastrophic thinking.
- Improving Family Communication: Economic stress often leads to conflict. Therapy can provide a safe space for family members to express their fears and frustrations constructively, learn active listening skills, and develop healthier communication patterns to navigate disagreements without damaging relationships.
- Strengthening Relationship Bonds: When couples or families are under immense financial pressure, their bonds can fray. Couples therapy or family counselling can help re-establish empathy, mutual support, and a sense of “being in this together,” reinforcing their ability to face challenges as a united front.
- Developing Problem-Solving Skills: Therapists can help families identify actionable steps, even small ones, to regain a sense of control. This might involve setting realistic short-term goals, exploring community resources, or improving financial literacy through referrals to credit counselling services.
- Processing Grief and Loss: Economic downturns can involve significant losses – of a job, a home, a business, or even a sense of future security. Therapy offers a space to process these losses and grieve, helping individuals and families move towards acceptance and adaptation.
- Building Resilience: Therapy equips individuals and families with tools to build resilience, fostering their ability to bounce back from adversity. This includes cultivating optimism, finding sources of strength, and focusing on what can be controlled rather than what cannot.
- Supporting Children and Youth: Children are highly attuned to parental stress. Therapists can help parents understand how economic hardship affects their children and provide strategies for open, age-appropriate conversations and ways to mitigate the impact on their emotional development. For youth directly experiencing stress about their future or family finances, individual therapy offers a vital outlet.
A Path Towards Resilience
The economic landscape in New Brunswick and beyond presents real and enduring challenges for families. These pressures are not just financial; they are deeply personal, impacting our sense of security, connection, and mental well-being. Recognizing the profound link between economic conditions and mental health is the first step towards finding effective support.
Book a Free 30 Minute Consultation
At S. R. Wellness and Media, we are dedicated to helping New Brunswick families navigate these complex times. We provide a supportive environment where individuals, couples, and families can explore the emotional impact of economic shifts and develop robust strategies to cope, communicate, and build resilience together. Our focus is on fostering the strength within families, enabling them to face external pressures with greater internal fortitude.