The financial news of the last few weeks has devastated the retirement accounts of many people.

The drop below 8,000 on Dow Jones Industrial Average on November 19 means that even people who made "safe" investments with their 401(k) plans worry about huge losses again, as described by one person on iReport.com.

Knowing that they are losing money without making any mistakes can cause physical symptoms for people, according to the Vancouver Sun. It reported that some investors have a racing pulse, shortness of breath or sleepless nights.

"It's fear that is unconscious and stimulates a whole lot of psychological responses," John Schott, a Florida psychiatrist who is also a professional money manager, told the newspaper. "Blood pressure goes up. Anxiety goes up. Sleep is disturbed. Thinking is interfered with. The stomach is upset."

From a financial perspective, the best thing to do is nothing, experts say.

WalletPop.com reminded people that the stock market is their friend over the long term, so they should not stop putting money into 401(k) funds or pulling out entirely, because that removes the chance of participating in a recovery and could lead to penalties for withdrawing money.

For your peace of mind, though, investment author Larry Swedroe suggested trying to stay away from the bad news, especially over-hyped cable channels.

He suggested sticking to more recreational viewing as you wait for the long-term turnaround.