How are other people making it through the recession? Here are stories to give you perspective and perhaps ideas on coping. An example:

Dear Abby Weighs In

"Praying in Nebraska" writes in about her husband: "Losing his job appears to have damaged his self-esteem as a man and, with it, our ability to connect. My husband is distant all the time. I desperately want to help, but I'm getting scared, too.''

And Jeanne Phillips, AKA Dear Abby, responds, in part: "Love him, support him and encourage him. Remind him that losing his job wasn't his fault, and all he has to do is look at the news to know that he is far from alone."

She adds: "There will be an end to this recession eventually, and it's important that you not lose sight of that fact."