USA Today has this article today (it’s on the front page of today’s print edition): Foreclosures take an emotional toll on homeowners.

A snippet:

Crisis hotlines are reporting a surge in calls from frantic homeowners. The American Psychological Association (APA) and other mental-health groups are publishing tips on how to handle the emotional stress triggered by the real estate meltdown. Psychologists say they’re seeing more drinking, domestic violence and marital problems linked to mortgage concerns — as well as children trying to cope with extreme anxiety when their families are forced to move.

“They’re depressed, anxious. It’s affected marriages, relationships,” says Richard Chaifetz, CEO of ComPsych, a Chicago-based employee-assistance firm that is counseling homeowners over mortgage fears. “People tend to catastrophize, and that leads to depression. Suicide rates go up. We see an increase in drinking, outbursts at work, violence toward kids. Before, their houses were like ATMs,” as they rose in value. “Now, they feel trapped like a rat in a corner.”

If you live in Monroe County and are dealing with financial difficulties, take the time to go through my blogroll.

There are links to resources right here in southeast Michigan that, depending on what programs you qualify for and decide to follow up on, can get you dinner for the night, help stop those creditor calls, help you figure out your finances, and provide legal advice about foreclosure.

And even if you don’t qualify for “official” public or charity assistance, you can learn a lot about how to get through everyday life with less money out of your pocket.