Stress, Recession, & Holidays Adding Up

MIAMI (CBS4) - Miami job seeker Rebecca Valdes knows about holiday stress all too well. For the past 6 months, she's been focused on looking for a job and not finding one.

The Miami-Dade College student said she's been looking for a retail or administrative position and wonders if her resumes are even getting to the right people.

"Personally it's very hard every day applying for positions and not hearing back from anyone," Valdes said. "It's especially bad over the holidays, when everyone else is shopping, spending and enjoying the holiday spirits. This time of year, it's way worse."

Dr. Rafael Rivas-Vazquez is a Kendall Psychologist who practices out of Baptist Hospital. He's said he's now seeing a steady number of patients complaining about stress and depression based on several years of economic problems.

He explains it's been building for a while and said, "I think there's been a cumulative effect we've been seeing the past 3 years and it's starting to wear on people."

Still, many job seekers like Rebecca say they can't afford to let their job hunt bother them too much.

Valdes said she's optimistic about finding a new job over the next few weeks and added, "It's really discouraging every day, but I'm not going to let it get to me, I'll just keep applying."

As the height of the holiday season arrives, some counselors warn economic stress will probably get even harder for financially-strapped families.

So what's the best advice?

Dr. Rivas-Vazquez recommended, "Talk over your concerns with loved ones, friends or clergy."

Most mental health specialists agree if you're really feeling bad about yourself for prolonged periods, consider professional help.

If you'd like more information on how to cope with stress, click here.