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In the midst of a possible recession in the US and around the world, the fear out there is palpable. The economy is affecting everyone in daily living. What can be done?

Many people are making decisions out of panic. Some are selling their retirement investments. Others are like the deer in headlights: they are frozen in their fear. They are unable to continue with holiday plans, house purchases, renovations, vehicle replacement and even dinners out.

As the media bandies about the "R" word, there are reports of people even failing to purchase required prescription medications.

It is true that in the economic meltdown there will be increased bankruptcies and downsizing? There will be displaced executives and workers at all levels. Some are losing their homes. Eileen and I lost our home in a business failure during a recession once, so we know what that is like.

However, most people in Canada and the United States will continue to be able to make their mortgage or rent payments. Most will keep their jobs and be able to support their families. Most retirees will be able to maintain their lifestyle with little change.

To pull a figure out of a hat, if 20 percent of the population is materially hurt in the turmoil, 80 percent is not. The problem is that 80 percent of the population is severely hampered by fear and anxiety, while 20 percent is not. The 60 percent in between who are not materially hurt, but are overly anxious and cannot sleep, are participating in the recession and driving it deeper.

The 20 percent who know they will be okay continue with most of their lifestyle plans and refuse to participate in the fear. They choose to opt out of the recession. This group includes people from the well-off retiree to the cashier in the local grocery store. They recognize the economic volatility for what it is. They go ahead with their planned TV purchase.

They form the group who has opted out of the recession.

The biggest challenge for those emotionally hampered, but not materially affected, is that to opt out of the economic recession, they must reduce their stress levels before they do something stupid and cause themselves real material harm and even more emotional suffering.

Understand that a brain loaded with stress hormones cannot think rationally. Blood flow to the frontal cortex is restricted. To put it bluntly, stress makes you stupid.

Financial advisers are reporting being flooded with shell-shocked investors. Their principal job these days is reassuring their clients that they will be okay in the long run if they stay invested.

However, the job is not over with simple reassurance. Many normally mentally-healthy people are taking the next step and going to a professional who can help them reduce irrational stress and regain some clarity and perspective. Some financial advisers are forming liaisons with psychologists and other professionals to give their clients the best chance of re-stabilizing.

There is no question that a minority of the population will be financially devastated. As a society, we must help these people. However, if you are not in that minority, I would encourage you not to participate in the psychology of it.

Do what you need to do to get out of that negative psychology and join those who, upon reflection, have chosen to opt out of the recession.