I’d only add that the worst problem will be a dramatic increase in negative self-talk that I call “self-bullying.” Your inner voices will make dire predictions of the future, tell you that you’re helpless in the grip of huge forces beyond your control and predict that, no matter how hard you try, you’ll inevitable fail. Your supercritical inner voices will try to stress, depress and discourage you, and make you give up. Your inner voices, full of self-questioning and self-doubt, can erode your self-esteem and self-confidence, destroy your hope and immobilize you.

Self-bullying is the most destructive form of bullying because it saps your will to overcome your circumstances. Self-bullying can rob you of your determination, courage, strength and skill. With those voices shouting or whispering in your ear, it’s impossible to gather yourself and make consistent, focused effort. If you let fear and self-bullying destroy your strength and will, you won’t have the right stuff, you won’t do the right thing and the economic tide will pull you under.

Find a great coach or therapist to guide you in the inner work necessary to convert those voices into effective coaches. Do things that keep your spirits up and your backbone strong.

Emerson was right when he said, “What lies behind us and lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.”

Disclosure: I’m a practical, pragmatic coach and consultant, and author of, “How to Stop Bullies in their Tracks” and “Eliminate the High Cost of Low Attitudes.” Check out my website and blog at BulliesBeGone (http://www.BulliesBeGone.com).