Free Program for Michiganders Dealing with Financial Trauma, May 3 and 17

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Free Webinars for Michiganders Dealing with Financial Trauma and its Impact on Mental and Physical Health, May 3 and May 17.

Gesher Human Services, one of the largest human service agencies in metro Detroit, will be holding two free online webinars in May to address financial trauma, the emotional and psychological distress caused by negative financial experiences that significantly impact an individual’s well-being.

The two-part webinar will discuss how trauma can be due to overwhelming debt or job loss, or due to generational financial hardships or behaviors with money. A recent survey by Experian®, a multinational data analytics and consumer credit reporting company, found that 68 per cent of U.S. adults feel they have suffered from, or are currently suffering from, financial trauma. The report said that this finding explained the prevalence of negative feelings and angst related to financial matters, with around 65% of adults admitting to experiencing negative thoughts, flashbacks and anxiety when dealing with financial issues.

Financial Trauma: Impacts and Behaviors – Part 1 will be held on May 3 at 1 p.m.; and Part 2 will be held on May 17 at 1p.m.

The programs are free, and participants are not required to attend both programs. Registration is available on the events page at geshermi.org.

“Anxiety, depression and other mental health issues can arise because of financial trauma, and this can lead to physical symptoms such as panic attacks, headaches and chest pain,” said Financial Education Manager Laltsha Cunningham. “In some cases, people do need to see a therapist, social worker or other professional, but learning how to handle money and changing financial behaviors, can also help to break the cycle of financial trauma.”

Cunningham said that among many things, the programs would also address generational money behaviors. “We talk about how families handle finances, whether parents were responsible spenders or not, for example did they pay their bills on time,” she said. “Also, we will look at how people may have been impacted by scarcity of money in childhood and how that experience effects how they handle their own finances today.”

The programs will discuss potential triggers for financial trauma

and identify techniques for how to handle money-related stresses from childhood and throughout life, as well as current circumstances that individuals are facing.  Referrals to outside agencies for additional help will also be available.

To register for the free program click here or call 248.233.4299, email financialhelp@geshermi.org or go to the events page at www.geshermi.org.

About Gesher Human Services

Gesher Human Services is a non-profit organization providing a bridge to hope and opportunity for people at work, at home and in the community. It is dedicated to helping people across metro Detroit lead more stable and fulfilling lives through workforce development, career mobility, behavioral health, inclusion programming and residential services that serve all metro Detroiters while meeting the needs of the Jewish community.

The organization works with job seekers, people with disabilities, older adults, and the community at large to provide skills, support, and equitable opportunities for people to succeed. Uniting two of metro Detroit’s most influential Jewish human services agencies, JVS Human Services and Kadima, Gesher brings over 110 years of combined experience facilitating equitable employment opportunities and better mental health outcomes for residents.

With a network of more than 400 employees and volunteers across 25 locations in southeast Michigan, Gesher delivers a continuum of services and support that directly impacts the lives of over 26,000 individuals and families annually. More information at www.geshermi.org.