Market Turmoil a 'Great Depression' for Some

Aug. 13, 2007 — -- Periodic downturn. Market correction.

Choose what euphemism you will, but for those who lost significant chunks of their portfolios -- or their clients' holdings -- in the past weeks of market turmoil, the prevailing mental state can approach depression.

And while stocks and bonds may recover, the volatility will send some of those whose careers ride upon its crests and troughs into a dangerous tailspin of anxiety, anguish and possibly unhealthy coping behaviors.

"Certainly, in my practice I do see the impact of a downturn in the economy," said Dr. Carole Lieberman, Beverly Hills psychiatrist and author. "For example, patients' money woes cause or exacerbate marital problems, alcohol abuse, eating disorders -- even suicidal thoughts."

"The most important thing that happens is a period of immediate anxiety, often followed by depression," said Dr. Bankole Johnson, chair of the University of Virginia Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences. "They often start to panic and find other ways of coping.

"It's almost a feeling as if they are under siege, as if there is no hope."

The link between widespread financial troubles and psychological problems is well documented. The seminal example in the United States is the Great Depression, during which the suicide rate jumped from 14 to 17 per 100,000. More recent examples can be seen in the Asian market crises from earlier in the decade.

But while most may associate financial woes with psychological health impacts, the true effect of this stress can even manifest itself in physical ways; fatigue, extreme tiredness, headaches and muscle cramps are all possible signs.

"Individuals may become very fidgety, or have restless legs or difficulty sleeping," Johnson said. "This is all very problematic."

Some career investors may find it difficult to get back into the game.

"A downturn in financial markets most often causes a downturn in the mood and self-esteem of investors," Lieberman said. "Indeed, when financial indicators threaten to be harbingers of a 'great depression,' they can bring on a 'great depression' amongst those whose pockets -- and egos -- are most affected.