With the unemployment rate reaching record levels, homes being foreclosed on daily basis, and stocks in a downward spiral, chances are someone you know has been affected by the current economic climate.  What do you say when someone comes to you to share their economic woes? How do you respond when your neighbor says “our home is being foreclosed on?”  Having someone you care about face such a life changing situation is heartbreaking, often leaving you at a loss for words.  Drawing on my psychology background, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Be a listener: A person who is losing their home, or has just lost their job feels like their world is coming unraveled. Often they just need someone to listen without passing judgment. Use your active listening skills you were taught in Communications 101 (nodding head, repeating phrases, etc)

• Don’t pretend: Unless you have been faced with the same situation, you don’t truly understand. It is always ok to sympathize, but pretending to understand their catastrophe can only make their tension stronger. Show compassion and grace.

• Pray: Tell them they are in your thoughts and prayers.  Pray with them. Offer to add them to your prayer chain.

• Offer Advice ONLY when asked: If you are someone who has made wise financial decisions, recently been in the same predicament, or work in the financial industry, you probably have a wealth of information to share that would be helpful to someone in a troubled situation. Share your knowledge only if that person is seeking your counsel. When you have a plethora of useful information it is easy to sound preachy or judgmental, which is the last thing you want to be.

While we don’t know how long this recession will last, how many of our neighbors will lose their homes, or if we will have our jobs next year, it is important to remember we are all people. We will have fears, hopes, and dreams. May we as modern women be a blessing to those who need us.