During these difficult economic times, more and more people are saying they’re stressed out.  In addition, psychologists are saying they’ve never seen this much depression and anxiety.  The big question is how do you keep an even keel in the midst of all this?  University of California-Irvine psychologist, Salvatore Maddi, offers some insight base upon his pioneering 12-year study of people who faced layoffs and changes in their jobs because of major turmoil in their industry.  He said it really helps to look at the big picture.  People have been through times like this before and survived.  While there are no quick fixes, it’s important to keep in mind that the bad times will eventually end and the good times will return–they always have.  So, instead of playing the victim (which only makes you feel worse), look at the current situaltion as an opportunity to learn and grow and then develop a concrete action plan on how you’re going to capitalize on the good times when they do return.