Coping in Hard Times: 

Fact Sheet for Youth 

High School & College Age 

What happens when your parents are laid off, are out of work for months, and their 

unemployment insurance ends? What happens when you can’t find an after-school, summer, 

or full-time job? What happens when every place you look for work they’re not hiring or have 

stacks of applications? 

What happens? You worry. About what will happen to you and your family. About your future. 

About whether you’ll have to drop out of school, or finding a good paying job. About whether 

your family will lose your home. About having enough money for lunch or to go out with your 

friends. During hard times, worries like these can cause frustration, stress, and anger. 

This fact sheet will help you understand how economic difficulties may affect you and help 

you think about how you can cope during these uncertain times. 

“We almost lost our house. I felt sad and scared when we were told that 

we would have to leave.”

Understanding Economic Downturns

When you and your family face financial hard times, it affects your: 

1. Sense of safety

2. Ability to calm

3. Self-efficacy and community-efficacy 

(belief that challenges can be handled)

4. Connectedness

5. Hope

Let’s see how hard times might affect these important areas of your well-being, 

and what you can do to cope.

This project was funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), US Department 

of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies, and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not 

necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA or HHS. 
Coping in Hard Times: Facts Sheet for Youth (High School & College Age) 2

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

www.NCTSN.org

Sense of Safety

What is “sense of safety”?

n A belief that your needs—and those of family and friends—will be met now and in the 

future

n A belief that you are protected from harm and that those around you will stay safe 

How can economic downturns affect 

my sense of safety?

If you can’t find a job; have less money for 

food, rent, and transportation; face dropping 

out of school or finding a place to live; and 

start to believe you can’t achieve your goals, 

then the world will feel much less safe than 

before.

When you don’t feel safe, you may have problems sleeping or have difficulty focusing. You 

may want to give up. You may feel worried, 

sad, or angry and may avoid your friends and 

family. Without even realizing why, you may 

be more irritable, argue more with others, 

use drugs or alcohol, or get into trouble. 

If you don’t feel safe, challenges in your 

life (falling out with friends, tests in school, 

demands from your family) may feel bigger 

and even harder to deal with. The money 

crisis—on top of your daily problems—makes 

everything in your life seem much worse, and 

the stress can be overwhelming.

How can I feel safe?

“I felt safe when I was helped and supported, and when I was given counseling.” 

“I felt safe when the teacher and my friends heard me and understood me.”

n Talk about your concerns with a trusted friend, family member, teacher, or counselor. 

What Sarah did:

Sarah’s parents both lost their jobs. Sarah 

fears that her family may lose their house. She 

thought about this constantly, had trouble 

sleeping, and was often upset. She couldn’t 

focus on her schoolwork and was arguing more 

with her parents.

After meeting with a school counselor, Sarah 

talked to her parents. They discussed what 

would most likely happen. Her parents 

reassured Sarah that they would keep the 

family safe, and that things weren’t as bad 

as she thought. Sarah made plans with her 

friends to do activities that didn’t cost a lot, 

such as playing soccer twice a week at the 

neighborhood park. Although Sarah is still 

concerned about her family‘s situation, she 

sleeps better and feels much safer. 

“If you talk with your parents, maybe they can 

help you think things through and not feel 

so bad.”
Coping in Hard Times: Facts Sheet for Youth (High School & College Age) 3

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

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n Avoid watching news stories about the economy. Although you may want to know “the 

facts,” the news may make you feel worse about the future of the economy and make 

you more worried, angry or depressed.

n Avoid dwelling on rumors or “horror stories” about the economy. If you aren’t sure about the 

accuracy of a story, ask your parents, a teacher, or someone else whose opinion you trust.

n Keep to your routine as much as possible (get enough sleep; eat regularly; drink plenty of 

water, exercise regularly). 

n Spend time with family and friends. Don’t cut yourself off from loved ones. Plan inexpensive things to do (have a game night, play sports or video games, go on a hike, hang out 

with friends). 

n Be aware that you are going to have strong feelings about the uncertainty in your life. 

When you start to feel anxious, angry, or sad, distract yourself by doing something relaxing or fun, focus on something that motivates you, or take some action that might help 

you or someone else. 

Ability to Calm

What is “ability to calm”?

n The skill of self-soothing, becoming peaceful in mind 

and body 

n Being able to relax and stay composed or grounded, 

rather than agitated or overly excited 

How can economic downturns keep me from 

feeling calm? 

When your finances are uncertain, you may feel frustrated, afraid, angry, or hopeless—

NOT calm. You might have trouble concentrating, sleeping, eating, controlling your temper, 

or being with others. You may wonder, “What can I possibly do to feel better?” or “How 

can I accomplish my goals?” You might use drugs or alcohol to feel better. You might avoid 

reaching out to others because you don’t want to worry them.

How can I feel calm?

“I felt calm when a school counselor listened to me and understood me—because it was the 

first time someone heard me and gave me advice.”

“I felt calm when I told my teachers what was bothering me. They supported me and gave 

me advice that relaxed me and helped me.”
Coping in Hard Times: Facts Sheet for Youth (High School & College Age) 4

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

www.NCTSN.org

n Talk about your concerns with a trusted 

friend, family member, teacher, or 

counselor.

n	 Exercise daily or increase your physical 

activity by taking more walks, climbing 

stairs, stretching, or learning yoga.

n Focus on slowing down your breathing as 

you inhale and exhale. 

n Listen to soothing music.

n Download comedy acts or music concerts to take your mind off your troubles.

n Download guided visualizations/meditations to calm mind and body, when you 

can’t fall asleep.

n Daydream. Imagine things that calm 

you. Picture people or places that have 

brought you joy. 

n Write in a journal.

n Do activities that make you happy. 

n Spending time with friends and family 

watching enjoyable, funny movies or television programs.

n Meditate, using a mindful-awareness 

approach, which is staying focused on 

the present moment and paying close 

attention to your physical, mental, and 

emotional experiences and accepting 

them without judgment.

n Pay attention to your thoughts. When you 

find you are thinking things that make 

you nervous or angry, notice them and 

stop or change them. You can distract yourself by changing activities. 

“If your mom asks you what’s wrong, don’t get mad or ignore her. 

Tell her—calmly—you’re not ready to talk about it and need some time.”

Self-Efficacy and Community-Efficacy 

What is “self-efficacy” and “community-efficacy”?

n The belief that you can successfully do what you need to do, deal with challenges, 

and handle tough times. 

What John did:

John was a good student with many friends who 

expected to get a job at a consulting firm shortly 

after graduation. A year after graduating, 

John was still unemployed and still living with 

his parents. 

John now had trouble sleeping, was always on 

edge, and had stomachaches and headaches. 

He didn’t want to tell his parents about it, 

because they were already worried about their 

own financial situation. Instead, he talked with 

his uncle, who helped him make a plan to look 

for a part time job and then to volunteer as a 

consultant, so he could make contacts, network, 

and hear about opportunities in his field. His 

uncle suggested that John ask someone in 

his industry to review his resume and suggest 

improvements. He also played calming music 

and wrote in his journal when he was worried or 

angry. He began to hang out with friends, who 

encouraged him to talk with them when he was 

having a hard time.

“I felt calm when my uncle sat with me and began 

to listen to me. I felt calmer when he showed 

me that I could trust him and that it was not the 

end of the world. He said that all problems have 

solutions and that mine was no exception.”
Coping in Hard Times: Facts Sheet for Youth (High School & College Age) 5

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

www.NCTSN.org

n The belief that the community you belong to—your neighborhood, school, city—

can do what it needs to do to thrive and take care of its members. 

How can economic downturns affect 

my self-efficacy or community-efficacy?

When times are tough, jobs are scarcer, and 

you may feel you don’t have what it takes to 

get a good job, a successful career, or the 

money to support yourself or contribute to 

the family. You might feel that you are not 

“good enough,” get down on yourself, and 

feel despair. 

With economic hardship, your community 

may cut services in areas that its members 

need. With fewer jobs than before, there 

may be fewer teachers, police officers, 

firefighters, librarians, or other public 

workers. Some communities may cut back 

or shut down some services altogether. You 

may see signs of hoplessness—vacant 

homes and buildings, more vandalism, and 

more trash.

How can I build my self-efficacy? 

What if my community lacks efficacy?

“If I express my thoughts, ideas, and even

my suffering, I can change how I feel 

and think about my situation. I am not alone. 

Others have these problems, too. If they 

were able to overcome their problems, 

I will overcome mine.”

n Get involved. Volunteer with a non-profit, 

private, or community organization. 

n Connect with other people in the 

community and/or in your field both 

to gain professional experience and to 

get you nearer to potential jobs. 

What Monica did:

Monica was devastated when her parents told 

her they couldn’t pay for college. When she 

saw classmates and church friends dealing 

with the same thing—many of them even 

worse off—she felt guilty complaining. She 

started believing she’d never accomplish her 

dreams. When she wrote in her journal, she 

became more depressed, wondering how 

she could keep living in a world like this. She 

couldn’t think of anything to do to make her 

situation better. She slacked off on her school 

work, thinking, “I can’t go to college anyway.” 

She even stopped hanging out with her friends, 

because no one could afford to do anything 

anymore. 

One day Monica told her friend Alicia about 

her feelings, and Alicia suggested that they 

talk with her favorite aunt, a teacher at 

another school. Alicia’s aunt told the girls 

that throughout history people have faced 

hard times, but the ones who survive—and 

thrive—are those who work harder to achieve 

their dreams. She said that the challenge itself 

makes a person stronger. She also said that 

when times are tough for you, go help someone 

who has it even worse. She and the girls 

found an Internet site with community service 

opportunities that led to the girls mentoring 

foster children. Within a few months, the 

agency offered to hire Monica after graduation. 

She decided that—while she may not be going 

to college right away—she could work and 

take classes at the community college. She 

realized that there was more than one path to 

her ultimate goal and that, by helping others, 

she now felt much better about herself and her 

talents. She realized, “I am a strong person.”

“You can trust yourself and not give up.”
Coping in Hard Times: Facts Sheet for Youth (High School & College Age) 6

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

www.NCTSN.org

n Seek out training or education to improve your prospects for work or your career.

n Think about it: The fact that jobs are hard to find has nothing to do with you, your skills, 

or your worth. It is hard for everyone to get and a keep job. 

n Don’t stop! Keep pounding the pavement, send out more resumes, put in more 

applications. Check back frequently, so a company has you in mind when they get an 

opening. Think: someone, somewhere is hiring. 

n Make a list of your strengths and talents. Tape up the list where you will see it often. 

Brainstorm new ways to use those strengths and accomplish your goals. 

n Don’t be afraid to adjust your expectations; if you thought it would take you three months 

to get a job, plan on six to eight months. If you were searching only on the Internet, join a 

professional networking group, attend a job fair, or consider an intership.

n Participate in your community. When you see a problem at your school or in your 

neighborhood, do something about it. For example, tutor at a nearby school, serve meals 

at a foodbank, shelve books at a library, teach adults or kids to read, care for animals at 

a shelter, create a website for a non-profit organization, pick up trash at a park or beach. 

Connectedness

What is “connectedness”?

n Having relationships with others (individuals or 

groups) that understand you and support you 

How can economic downturns affect my 

connectedness?

You can feel worthless and even humiliated when you can’t find a job or you lose one. 

Without money, you stay at home and isolate yourself from others. The more you avoid going 

out, the more you feel you don’t belong. In the past when you have been under stress, you 

may have gone to friends, family, or teachers for advice. Now, you don’t want to talk about it.

What can I do if I don’t feel connected?

“You don’t have to shut down and close yourself off. You can talk about what you are going 

through. You can look for people who care about you and can help you.”

n Identify friends, family, and other adults you trust and like spending time with. 

n Look at the ways that your social life has changed since you have been concerned about 

not having enough money. Do you spend time with your family (or stay holed up in your 

room)? Are you hanging out with friends? Getting together to watch sports? Grabbing 
Coping in Hard Times: Facts Sheet for Youth (High School & College Age) 7

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

www.NCTSN.org

coffee? Do you still attend your social/

religious group? 

n Don’t stay isolated. Reconnect with your 

friends and family. Even if you don’t think 

you’ll have a good time, do it anyway. 

You’ll find it’s easier and more fun than 

you thought.

n The more you reach out, the more 

likely—and the sooner—you will find 

resources and options.

“I feel connected when I talk to my 

parents and they give me advice.”

Hope

What is “hope”?

n Expecting that things will work out; 

a feeling that everything’s going 

to be alright

How can economic downturns keep 

me from having hope?

In an economic downturn—especially if 

you or family members have been laid off and can’t find work— you may feel discouraged, 

hopeless about the situation, and angry with people in positions of power. You may believe 

that you are to blame for being out of work rather than the economy.

How do I regain hope?

n Try to regain your belief that things will work out.

n If you have had faith in a Higher Power, try to regain trust in those beliefs. 

n Join with others in your larger community who can provide emotional support and 

encouragement.

n Ask a good friend, a family member, or a teacher you respect how he or she has 

maintained hope in troubled times.

n Meet with a counselor, a residence advisor, or other trusted adult who can help you look 

at things from a different perspective, helping you identify your strengths and talents and 

list your options and resources. 

What Justin did:

Justin was about to graduate from college and 

couldn’t find a job. His friends were too busy to 

get together, and Justin didn’t have the energy or 

the money to do anything anyway. He stayed in 

his room, slept, played video games, or listened 

to music. Every day he felt a little worse. 

One day his friend Luke came over and told 

him that he couldn’t find a job either. Justin felt 

bad for his friend, but was glad that someone 

understood what he was going through. They 

played video games and went to shoot some 

hoops. Once Justin got out of the house, he felt 

better. Even though his situation hadn’t changed, 

hanging with Luke took his mind off his fears. 

Luke even told him about a place that had job 

openings, and they decided to both go apply the 

next day. Justin was relieved they were going 

through this tough time together.

“Do not lock yourself in your own world.”

“Do not to be afraid to ask for help. If your friends 

or family reject you, get help from others.”
Hobfoll, S. E. et al. (2007). Five essential elements of immediate and mid-term mass trauma intervention: 

Empirical evidence. Psychiatry, 70, 283-315.

n Learn the facts about the current 

economy, so you don’t just act on 

people’s opinions. 

n If watching news reports makes you feel 

hopeless, don’t watch. Turn to an activity 

that will distract your and give you relief.

n If you are feeling suicidal, get help. 

Reach out to your family or call SAMHSA’s 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 

1-800-273-TALK (8255).

“I feel hope when my parents support me in 

what I want or what I think.”

“Before doing something bad, think it through.”

What Jose did:

Jose got a B.A. degree in business and always 

thought he would do better than others in his 

family finding his first job. With the economic 

downturn, he felt more and more discouraged 

with every rejection. His mother frequently told 

him how proud she was of him for going to 

college, but he started to feel college had been 

a waste of time and money. At job interviews, 

the waiting room was filled with people, some 

much older and with years of experience. 

Despite increasing hopelessness, Jose 

continued to attend church weekly, where his 

pastor encouraged him to hang in there. Yes, 

he said, it is tough to find a job right now, but 

it is even tougher for those without a college 

degree or any kind of training. The pastor 

reminded him that things had been difficult 

for his family before and that somehow things 

had always worked out in the past. Other 

parishioners encouraged him to keep trying, 

assuring him that eventually an employer would 

see his potential and give him a break. One of 

the business owners in the church offered to 

look over Jose’s resume to see if there were 

ways he could present himself more favorably. 

Listening to these positive messages gave 

Jose the hope and strength to do more job 

searching in the week ahead of him.

“When they tell me I can be a professional if I 

really want to be, I feel that I can do anything. 

They give me much hope.”

National Child Traumatic Stress Network, Terrorism and Disaster Network Committee. (2011). Coping in Hard Times: Fact Sheet 

for Youth. Los Angeles and Durham, NC: National Center for Child Traumatic Stress. Copyright © 2011. This work was funded 

by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), US Department of Health and Human Services 

(HHS), which retains for itself and others acting on its behalf a nonexclusive, irrevocable worldwide license to reproduce, 

prepare derivative works, and distribute this work by or on behalf of the Government. All other rights are reserved by the 

copyright holder(s).

Established by Congress in 2000, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) is a unique collaboration of academic 

and community-based service centers whose mission is to raise the standard of care and increase access to services for 

traumatized children and their families across the United States. Combining knowledge of child development, expertise in the 

full range of child traumatic experiences, and attention to cultural perspectives, the NCTSN serves as a national resource for 

developing and disseminating evidence-based interventions, trauma-informed services, and public and professional education. 

In these hard times, you or your family may 

be facing financial difficulties yourselves, or 

you may know others—friends, neighbors, 

extended family, co-workers—who are having difficulties. With so many people facing 

economic challenges, no one need experience them alone. We all can reach out to one 

another—to give support or to get support. 

Surround yourself with people you trust, talk through what you are feeling, stay involved with 

others. You will find that you have what it takes to make it through these challenging times.