With the economy in crisis and foreclosures at an all-time high, financial anxiety among Americans appears to be soaring to new heights.

In a poll distributed by the American Psychological Association (APA) to more than 1,700 U.S. adults, eight out of 10 surveyed said the economy is a significant cause of stress.

"When there is a sense of uncertainty about the future or when folks feel as if their long-term goals such as retirement or children's college funds are being threatened, a number of emotions may surface," says Michael Groat, a psychologist for the Professionals in Crisis program at The Menninger Clinic, in Houston. "We may feel as if we are no longer in control or there may be feelings of anger or lack of trust in our government leaders. All these factors together may make it difficult for people to cope, causing not only emotional distress, but stress-related physical ailments as well."

That certainly holds true for Americans surveyed in the APA poll, many of whom said they were feeling fatigued and suffering from headaches and muscular tension as a result of financial stress.

"It's not uncommon for people to feel worried about their financial situation, and, with the economy in crisis, it's normal and expected for people to feel even more stressed," says Susan Heffelfinger, a psychologist in the Menninger Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treatment Program who specializes in anxiety disorders. "But this added stress can trigger or make depressive symptoms worse. For example, people may feel more irritable, down, or fatigued. It's important to watch that these feelings don't become overwhelming."

Groat cautions against turning to overeating, smoking, or drinking to ease anxiety and to provide a sense of control.

"I'd encourage people to instead engage in activities of wellness. Exercise is a wonderful antidote for all types of stress," he says.

Groat and Heffelfinger offer the following tips to ease financial anxiety:

•Share your concerns with others. "Knowing you're not the only one stressed and talking through ways to make ends meet can help," says Heffelfinger.

•Get the facts on your financial situation. "Take the time to speak with a financial counselor. Don't shut down and avoid finding out information that will help you take action," she says.

•Problem solve and make a plan with your family. "Now's the time to make some lifestyle changes and try to reduce your spending," Groat says. "You may need to cut back on going out for dinner or stop excessive use of credit cards. Find things you can exert your control over, and this may ease some of your anxiety."

•Limit your exposure to the news and negative talk about the financial crisis. "An oversaturation of information will only lead to increased feelings of helplessness and stress," Heffelfinger says.

•Take time out from the situation. "Process the problem and try to work through it," Groat says. "But give yourself permission to let it go for awhile. Focus on a leisure activity that you enjoy."

•Take care of yourself. "Oftentimes when people are very stressed, their typical coping strategies can fall by the wayside. Self-care is vital even in times of low stress," Heffelfinger says. "Eat right, get enough sleep, take a walk, or do something else that rejuvenates you."

•Talk to your children. "Children can sense and be reactive to parents' stress and anxiety, so it's important to talk with them," Heffelfinger says. "Parents can help kids cope by first managing their own anxiety and then sharing a few basic facts in a calm and practical way. Explain that the family needs to cut back on spending and let them know in concrete ways like, 'This means we will be eating at home more often or renting movies instead of going to the theater.'"

Both doctors warn that if stress or anxiety is overwhelming, causing significant distress or impacting one's daily functions at work or home, professional help may be needed.

"If a situation is too much to bear by yourself, seek a counselor's help and gain some perspective on it," says Groat.

People who have suffered major financial loss or bankruptcy face a different emotional challenge, psychologists say.

"We often only think of loss in terms of death, but a significant change in financial status is a loss as well," Groat says. "We need to acknowledge this as a loss before we can move on. The grieving and recovery may take some time.