Poverty is also a part of life, and pain is easier if it is talked about and shared
Many people experience both ups and downs during their lives, i.e. wealth and poverty. Even in the rich countries of the world, life changes like this happen. People get fired as a result of the company’s shutdown, because they are redundant or according to the “last in/first out” system, because they “stood on someone’s bum” and the like, they make wrong life decisions, they gamble, they turn out to be naive in some situations, they are affected by diseases that they require expensive medicines and expensive treatment, etc. People (especially vulnerable are children, elderly people, mostly women, single parents, multi-member families, long-term unemployed people, emigrants, stateless people and chronically ill people) affected by poverty. They then continue a completely different life during which they struggle with various prejudices. The most common prejudices about poverty are the expression “socially weak people” (which is also a character trait found in every income class regardless of finances), the expression “if a person wants a job then he will find work and ways because otherwise he just looks for excuses”. General accusations that the unemployed “don’t know how to handle money” and that they don’t want to work have a very negative effect. Politicians often talk about the “social hammock” and want to create incentives instead of increasing unemployment benefits.
Many people affected by poverty have constant existential concerns.
Additional health problems often develop, for example heart palpitations, high blood pressure, elevated adrenaline levels, diabetes and the like. Financial poverty is a terrible thing. People then choose isolation because they feel shame and powerlessness. The feeling of shame has more far-reaching consequences. A person affected by poverty at some point believes that everything should be endured because the person works too little (or not at all) and is not worthy of a dignified life. The person sits with slumped shoulders and lost self-confidence. The stigma of poverty is also “hiding a new situation” (because no one wants to be in that situation), isolation and “silence” due to problems – although this kind of behavior is never, ever, a good solution.
Tips for overcoming the crisis and feeling of shame due to poverty

1. It is important to find a close person to whom you can tell the events or even speak publicly about your own poverty problem. Today there are social networks and one should publicly share and say out loud one’s own situation (even though poverty is a systemic problem and not just an individual problem). It is possible that someone else shares the same fate, but it is possible that someone has a good idea how to overcome the new situation. Because any pain that is shared and talked about with others is always much easier and definitely less. Just start talking to others. The pain decreases and the person gets a “wind at his back” and new positive energy, he gets advice and often help. This is how you can avoid the so-called “burn out”
2. In a household with several people, it is good to divide roles and find new occupations and hobbies. A new business can be created from most hobbies. Talk daily about the newly created situation and openly express opinions, ideas, advice. And some innocuous word or sentence may be the introduction to a new life inspired by the hope that poverty will decrease and life will be better and more successful.
3. Many humanitarian organizations (for example, religious or non-governmental and similar) always offer help, free food, but at the same time they are always looking for volunteers. Every person, both young and old, has some knowledge, skills, experience, and free time that they can donate to these institutions. Volunteering is a good way to connect with new people, acquire new knowledge and skills that can again become a job and bring a new form of income.
4. People who are fortunately not affected by poverty often have the opinion that poor people do not want to integrate into the community. But many poor people just avoid situations they think will bring embarrassment. If a person (who is not affected by poverty) knows someone and is not sure then they should go to that person and offer help. Just start talking to each other.
5. The affected person can turn to everyone with whom you have the opportunity (and share similar characters, lives, life habits) for help and to look for a “way out”. One never knows where that path leads if one does not gather the courage to talk, try, master, learn new things that help to reduce poverty and live a life worthy of man.
6. Comparing yourself to others (who have more luck and material wealth than you) is a pure waste of time. Never compare yourself to others. You are your own being with all your faults and virtues and live your own life to the best of your ability. Everyone makes mistakes and no one is sinless (even the biggest, most beautiful, smartest, richest and poorest among us).
7. Many think that poor people are to blame or have the biggest blame for this new situation. However, the true guilt of that person is irrelevant. Only some have the resources to compensate for poverty (mistakes, layoffs, illnesses) while others do not. Many people with a large family or social network officially live below the borders with of poverty and are not considered poor. They receive support from outside or other resources (which is a matter of perspective, because artists, for example, often live on the border or in an uncertain situation but are not ashamed of it, or students who have some prospects of earning pocket money during their studies, while many people affected by poverty do not have this perspective). The difficult period will pass and the sun will shine on you. Some favorable way out will appear and the solution to your problem. It’s always like that in life. Try to maintain optimism as much as possible. “The sun will come out of the rain” is a catchphrase and really true in most cases.
8. Be brave, persistent, determined, cheerful (if you can) to everyone even in your own most difficult times. Because the one who loves you will continue to love and help you/because he loves you for your existence and not for your clothes, hairstyle, material things, etc.
9. It is good to cry when there are “harder days” than everyday ones. It is one of the healthiest ways for a person to feel lighter and better.
10. It is important to report/and inform about the systemic causes of poverty. Comprehensive childcare is important so that women are not marginalized and part-time. Social assistance and minimum incomes should be harmonized. And minimum wages should be fairer because it is unacceptable for a person to work full-time and have a permanent job, but wages are often below the poverty line. Things need to change in many countries and people are responsible for these changes.
11. A person who was given help (and a solution to a problem) should never forget the people who helped or especially their good deeds. Because many of the reasons that lead a person to poverty are often caused by a “higher force”, that is, acts that the individual cannot influence.
12. Every person, even if he is on the border or close to the poverty line, will most often first give his maximum and only then ask for help from others.