People coped by cutting back on non - essential expenses. They made their own clothes and repaired things instead of buying new ones.
Many people during the Great Depression coped by relying on family and community support. Extended families often lived together to share resources. In communities, there were soup kitchens and local charities that provided some relief. Some people also tried to find odd jobs, like doing yard work for neighbors, to earn a little bit of money.
Some people coped with loneliness by adopting pets. A single woman adopted a cat during quarantine. The cat became her constant companion, and she said it made her days much more enjoyable.
One common experience was poverty. Many families lost their jobs and homes. People had to stand in long breadlines just to get a little food. There was also a great deal of uncertainty. No one knew when the economic situation would improve.
Therapy is often a very effective way to cope with horrible life stories. A trained therapist can help a person understand their emotions, deal with trauma, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. For instance, if someone has a horrible life story of being bullied as a child, a therapist can guide them through the process of building self - esteem and learning how to handle similar situations in the future. They can also teach relaxation techniques to deal with the stress and anxiety that often comes with such experiences.
Others might engage in creative activities like painting or writing. It gives them an outlet to express their emotions. For instance, a person who has experienced a difficult break - up might write poetry about their heartache, which can be a form of catharsis.
People who were children during that time have stories of family unity, of finding creative ways to get food and resources, and of learning the value of hard work at a young age. Their tales are both inspiring and eye-opening.
The real stories of the Great Depression had a huge impact on the financial system as well. Stories of banks failing and people losing their savings made the government realize the need for better banking regulations. It led to the establishment of safeguards like deposit insurance. In terms of social fabric, the stories of families being torn apart by economic hardship led to a stronger sense of community in some areas. Neighbors started helping each other more, sharing resources and food. And on a national level, these stories influenced political campaigns, with politicians promising solutions to end the economic misery that was so vividly portrayed in the real stories.
Some people started their own small online businesses. For instance, a former restaurant worker began selling homemade jams and baked goods online. She used social media to promote her products and managed to earn a decent income.
In some cases, like the Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 survivors, they had a strong sense of community among the survivors which helped. They knew they did what they had to do to survive and supported each other. Therapy and counseling also played a role in helping them deal with the trauma later on.
There are many such stories. One I heard was about a woman who was robbed at night on her way home. She was really scared but managed to stay calm and call the police immediately.
A family of immigrants in New York City during the Great Depression had a particularly tough time. They had come to the city with hopes of a better life. But with the economic downturn, the father lost his job at the docks. The mother, who used to do some sewing work at home, also lost her clients. They had to move to a smaller, shabby apartment. Their children often went to school hungry. But they supported each other through the hard times and eventually made it through the Great Depression.