KTKA

The wild ride on Wall Street is causing an epidemic of anxiety across the country.

"This is scary, very scary," Victoria Numanovic said.

As people watch their hard-earned savings and investments disappear...

"Just really brings my emotions down. I can't watch, it's too dramatic," Jaime Alonge said.

The stress can manifest itself in irritability, sleeplessness, depression and in some severe cases, suicide. Just outside Los Angeles, a 45-year-old man who lost his job and his investments killed his mother-in-law, wife and three sons before turning the gun on himself. In a suicide note he blames hard times.

"He takes responsibility for the taking of the lives of his family members and himself as a result of those financial difficulties," LAPD Deputy Chief Michael Moore said.

Studies show that suicides and depression tend to rise when the economy falters.

"The pillars of stability in their lives, the things on which they rely, are shaken to the very foundation," UCLA's Dr. Andrew Leuchter said.

Leuchter says, in an attempt to save money, people may cut back on medication and therapy just when they need it most.

Instead, he says, negotiate a reduced fee with a therapist, reach out to clergy, family and friends.

"If you pull family and friends close rather than pushing them away, things can turn around. The future can be brighter," Leuchter said.

Psychiatrists say it's also important to remember that, in this financial crisis, no one is alone.