The Emotional Toll of a Government Shutdown — Insights from Cedar Tree Counseling of Oklahoma

At Cedar Tree Counseling of Oklahoma, we understand that stress and mood are deeply connected — especially during periods of uncertainty. A prolonged federal government shutdown is one such event that can affect many levels of life: financial | employment | services | psychological. This blog post explores how a government shutdown can impact stress and mood, why it matters for individuals and families, and what steps you can take to support emotional wellbeing.

1. Why a government shutdown can create stress

A government shutdown occurs when the federal government ceases operations of certain agencies and services because funding is not authorized. While debates over policy and budget may feel distant, the ripple-effects can hit everyday life in unexpected ways.

Key stress-triggers:

• Financial uncertainty: For federal employees, contractors, or small-businesses tied to government work, missed paychecks or furloughs increase anxiety. (American Psychological Association)
• Service disruption: Programs people rely on — for nutrition assistance, health care referrals, research funding — may pause or become unreliable. (Alliant)
• Uncertainty & loss of control: Not knowing when things will return to “normal” can drive worry, restlessness, and low mood. “Financial worries, job uncertainty… can trigger anxiety, fear, depression and loss of control.” (https://www.wbrc.com)
• Broader economic effects: Even if you are not directly employed by the government, you may feel effects indirectly (reduced consumer spending, less business activity, decreased morale). (Alliant)

In short, a shutdown is not just a headline-event — it may touch your life in many ways, and each of those ways can affect emotional and mental wellbeing.

2. Mood & mental health: What research shows

Prolonged stressors affect mood, anxiety levels, and overall mental health. Below are some of the findings relevant to a government shutdown context.

• A release from the American Psychological Association noted that during the 2018-19 U.S. federal government shutdown, the uncertainty felt by federal employees was associated with increased stress and anxiety. (American Psychological Association)
• In one survey of federal workers, about 95 % of respondents reported increased stress, anxiety and depression in recent months amid workforce changes and uncertainty. (Federal News Network)
• More recently, programs analyzing the impact of shutdowns found that “…a government shutdown can increase nationwide stress, anxiety, and uncertainty…” and even affect people who are not directly employed by the government. (Ambrosia Behavioral Health)
• When stress is prolonged and the source is beyond one’s immediate control (for example, policy decisions, funding lapses), the emotional toll may include feelings of helplessness, low mood, irritability, sleep disruption, and increased risk of mood-and-anxiety disorders. (Lutz Counseling Services, LLC)

Why mood suffers:

From psychological theory, mood and emotion are highly sensitive to events perceived as threats or losses of control. The “affective events” paradigm suggests that negative incidents (like paying bills late, job uncertainty) can cause stronger mood disruptions than positive incidents do. (Wikipedia)

So when a shutdown triggers multiple stressors (financial, service loss, uncertainty) and persists, mood disturbance is more likely.

3. Who is most vulnerable?

While many people may feel some stress during a shutdown, certain groups may face greater risk of mood impacts:

• Federal employees, contractors, and their families facing furloughs or pay delays.
• People relying on government-funded services (nutrition assistance, health programs, housing support) — interruptions can feel like personal loss.
• Small business owners or employees tied to government contracts or spending patterns.
• Families experiencing financial strain, where a service disruption or income gap can cascade into domestic stress.
• People with existing anxiety/depression: added uncertainty can worsen symptoms or trigger relapse.

At Cedar Tree Counseling of Oklahoma, we emphasize that mood changes in these contexts are valid and understandable — not a weakness. Recognizing them early gives us the chance to intervene before more serious distress develops.

4. Strategies for managing stress and protecting mood

Here are practical strategies for individuals and families during a government shutdown (or any major uncertainty event) to maintain emotional wellness. These align with evidence-informed practices and we incorporate them in our counseling and coaching.

A. Normalize and express your feelings

• Talking about your worries with a friend, partner, or counselor helps. Research notes: “Talking things out… often you will get answers that reduce the ‘fear of the unknown.’” (genesispsychiatricsolutions.com)
• Acknowledge that you may feel mood shifts (irritability, low energy, sleep issues). This is a normal reaction to abnormal stress.

B. Maintain routine & physical health

• Keep regular wake/sleep times, meals, and exercise. Exercise helps boost mood and reduce stress. (AlexandriaVA.Gov)
• Limit excessive news consumption — focusing all day on shutdown updates can amplify anxiety.

C. Focus on what you can control

• List small actionable items (e.g., budget check-in, setting a daily walk, reaching out to a friend).
• Recognize what is outside your control (policy decisions, funding timelines) and consciously let go of trying to “fix” everything. This helps reduce rumination.

D. Stay connected

• Social support acts as a buffer in high-stress times. The “social buffering” concept indicates that connection improves resilience. (Wikipedia)
• Share with others in similar positions (e.g., federal employee groups, community forums). Realizing “I’m not the only one” helps.

E. Seek professional help early

• If you notice persistent low mood, anxiety, sleep disruption, or increased substance use — seek counseling or mental-health support.
• At Cedar Tree Counseling of Oklahoma, we offer both male- and female-therapists (per your preference) to help individuals and families navigate stress, mood change, transition or financial anxiety.

5. Why Cedar Tree Counseling of Oklahoma is here for you

In uncertain times, having a reliable emotional-health partner matters. Here’s why Cedar Tree Counseling stands ready:

• Choice of therapist gender: We provide both male and female therapists so you can work with the professional you feel most comfortable with.
• Tailored to stress & mood issues: Whether you’re experiencing anxiety from job uncertainty, mood shifts from service disruption, or relational tension due to financial stress — our clinicians are experienced in these exact scenarios.
• Community-rooted in Oklahoma: We understand the local economic climate, cultural values, and the unique dynamics in our region (Tulsa / Oklahoma) which can make a difference in therapy.
• Flexible approach: We use evidence-based strategies (CBT, mindfulness, stress-management) and help you build lasting tools — not just “get you through” the shutdown period.

6. Take-away for this moment

• A government shutdown isn’t only a political or economic story: it has real emotional consequences.
• Stress, uncertainty, and loss of control can erode mood, trigger anxiety, and affect relationships and sleep.
• You don’t have to wait until things “get worse” to act. Employing coping strategies now gives you an advantage.
• If you find yourself or a loved one slipping into persistent low mood, anxiety or irritability — reach out for support.

At Cedar Tree Counseling of Oklahoma, we’re here with you. The current moment may feel outside your control, but your emotional health is not. Strength begins not by denying stress, but by facing it with the right support.

References

• “Government shutdown can take toll on mental health” (WBRC) (https://www.wbrc.com)
• American Psychological Association — “Government shutdown increasing stress on federal employees” (American Psychological Association)
• “A never-ending nightmare: Federal workers detail mental health toll…” (Federal News Network) (Federal News Network)
• “The Domino Effect of a Government Shutdown: How can employers help?” (Alliant) (Alliant)
• “Coping with Uncertainty During Government Shutdowns” (City of Alexandria) (AlexandriaVA.Gov)
• “Anxiety and the Government Shutdown” (Genesis Psychiatric Solutions) (genesispsychiatricsolutions.com)
• “Government Shutdown Impacts Behavioral Health Treatment” (AmbrosiaTC) (Ambrosia Behavioral Health)