Most foreclosure reports have focused on its financial and economic implications to the housing market downturn. Psychologists say that foreclosures also have an emotional side.
Homes play a very important role to people’s lives. It is not just a place to stay, but something that creates ties between and creates a sense of belongingness. Because of this, foreclosure is not just losing a home, but could also stir-up people’s emotions.
Foreclosure means disturbance in financial security, which is threatening. It also involves issues of rejection, abandonment, and isolation. A planned move can already cause stress for most homeowners, so forced move due to foreclosure even more. This situation could bring about twisted emotions.
If the financial side of foreclosure could be work on, the emotional side could be properly dealt with too. A psychologist shares the following tips:
- Admit your feelings.
Do not suppress your emotions. Seek someone to confide or find a creative outlet such as drawing or writing to express what you feel. - Do not connect negative thoughts to your emotions.
Try to focus more on productive thinking. Think positive. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself or having self-pity, just work hard to solve your problem. - Go on with life.
Anxiety and regret is a waste of energy. Learn from the past and plan the future. Apply what you have learned from the past to each day that comes to you. - Reassure your family.
Help your children identify their feelings toward moving. Tell them that you are sad to leave your home but you will work hard to make your new home as nice as you can make. - Seek for help.
Be it from a financial counselor or a mental health advisor, it is fine. It may be a sign of weakness but we all have times when we need help.
Foreclosure is not just a horrible experience but a learning experience too.
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