The Toledo Blade had this story Nov. 9, which I didn’t notice in the print edition until I was cleaning out a recycling bin, but luckily the link is still active: Worried sick – economic downtown takes an emotional toll on families.

A snippet:

The impact of joblessness, rising prices, shrinking paychecks, foreclosure, and bankruptcy isn’t just financial. It’s personal: People cry more easily. They wake up and can’t get back to sleep. They’re short with their kids and spouse and pets. They have to say no to what used to be affordable little pleasures. Some drink too much or watch too much TV.

How am I going to make the house payment? Where will I go if I lose the house? Which bills do I have to pay today? Which can I put off? Will I be able to feed my kids? Will I have to move away to get another job? Will my spouse leave me?

They’re literally worried sick.

And there’s a bunch of stories about how Toledo-area families are getting through the crisis.

One thing that could help make the current situation a bit easier, if you are wondering how to deal with this, is to realize that many other Michigan and Ohio families are also struggling financially. There’s not as much pressure these days to keep up with the Joneses, because, well, they might be running short of cash too.