SOUTH BEND — From gas to groceries, foreclosures to factories, it seems everyone is shouldering the burden of economic uncertainty these days. All that stress means more than just financial worries for an increasing number of Americans, as the nation's "cash crunch" begins to take an emotional toll too.

A recent national survey shows the number of Americans who believe they're moving forward in life at a 50 year low. The nation's largest employee assistance program reports requests for therapists have jumped by 20 percent in the last 3 months alone.

South Bend resident Deborah Thurston is one of those now seeking help.

With overtime budgets cut out at work, her family's income dropped. But gas and groceries prices skyrocketed.

So did her anxiety level.

"It's more stressful than you can even imagine," she said. "The knot in the pit of your stomach just [makes me] feel physically ill, not knowing what to do."

And last month, things got a lot worse.

"We went from a 9.9% interest rate, which is still relatively high, up to a 13.75%," she said. "The mortgage is now $1,300 a month. There's no way we can afford it. With a $1,600 [a month] income and 4 kids, it's not doable."

The result, was inevitable.

"There's been a notice of the sheriff sent, saying you're in foreclosure," she said. "I thought, this is it. It's awful. It's probably the most depressing, worthless feeling I've had in my whole life, not being able to keep my own kids in their home."

And Deborah's not alone.

"There's been a lot more people [coming in to talk about financial worries]," said Licensed Clinical Social Worker Christine Stacey, who practices at A Beautiful Mind Clinic in South Bend.

Many local therapists say pessimistic feelings have jumped to levels not seen nationwide since the great depression, when desperation drove millions of Americans into depression.

"It causes a lot of depression and stress, especially in men. And men are reluctant to ask for help. It can cause alcoholism or drug use as a way to escape. It can be a huge thing, especially when it's your home at risk, because your home is a big part of who you are," said Stacey.

Getting out from under that feeling is far from easy.

"You can't get rid of clinical depression just by wishing it away," said Stacey. "It doesn't work that way."

Stacey also says many people caught by financial problems feel embarrassed, or angry, and often don't know where to turn for help.

The first place to start, experts say, is by taking control of your own situation, formulating a plan, and sticking to it.

Then, talk to your mortgage lender, bank, landlord, or employer. Many are often willing to try and work out payment plans, or other arrangements.

If you're feeling anxious, experts also say it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor.

"Developing a plan is number one, including a therapeutic plan to reduce the feelings of depression," Stacey said. "That can involve them seeing their doctor and maybe going on medication that can help."

Holding back information from your children can also add to the stress, said Stacey.

"Children can sense that anxiety, even if it's not verbally expressed. Talk to them, reassure them that things may be tough right now, but we're going to figure out a way to make it through," she said.

Don't try to shoulder the burden alone, adds Stacey. There are many low-cost legal options or non-profit community groups who can work with you to find a solution that will fit your needs.

All you have to do is ask for help.

That's exactly what Deborah did, and so far it's paying off.

"The mortgage company is reviewing our situation. They finally noticed that this is an extreme situation and they're going to see what they can do about lowering our payments."

It's proof, she says, that there is hope.

"I got to the point where I just couldn't worry about it anymore. It was doing more harm than good. So, I just took it one day at a time," she said. "Don't think it's going to go away, because it's not. But there is help. You just need to know where to look, and don't give up."