How to Reduce Stress & Improve Your Life
July 1, 2020Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression
July 20, 2020The Impact of Unemployment on Mental Health
Unemployment isn’t just troubling because of finances; the effects of losing your job can also extend to mental health problems.
Many people are quick to complain about their jobs, but even if they don’t particularly love what they are doing, working usually comes with benefits that people don’t realize until they become unemployed.
The Effects of Unemployment on Mental Health
Unemployment can be an emotional rollercoaster. What may start out as eagerness and hope for a new job can turn into bitterness, sadness, and anger as time passes without any luck. Especially when people are unemployed for extended amounts of time, the impact of unemployment on mental health can become more severe and even develop into mental health disorders.
Loss of Purpose
One of the many mental effects of unemployment is often feeling that you no longer have a purpose. Jobs help to give people’s lives meaning by making them feel more productive and like they are a contributing member of society. When some people lose their jobs, they may also lose this sense of purpose. Until they are able to find a new position, they will likely feel useless or empty. These feelings are sometimes precursors to the development of depression.
Depression
Depression is common with unemployment. The initial effects of losing your job can leave people feeling sad and upset, but with time, hopelessness about finding another job may set in, and this depression can get much worse. A survey of American citizens found that people who are unemployed are twice as likely to partake in a depression treatment program, either previously or presently, than people who are unemployed. This deviation only gets worse over time with 19% of people unemployed for 52 weeks or longer getting treatment.1
Insecurity
Work may be the way that some people define success, and without it, they start to feel like a failure. This mentality, on top of not being able to provide for their family, can lead some people to self-doubt and insecurity. The longer they go without finding a new job, the worse the blow to their confidence.
Anxiety
Anxiety is another common effect of unemployment. When comparing unemployed men to their employed peers, anxiety was significantly higher in the group without a job than those with one.2 Worries about finances is natural with job loss, but over time these worries could escalate and require anxiety disorder treatment.
Irritability
All the problems above mixed with the frustration of not being able to find another job can make people angry and irritable. They may snap at their loved ones more easily or get angry at small things that they used to let slide.
Not everyone is able to cope with their mental health problems in a productive manner, especially if they are bored at home during the normal workday. Instead, these people may turn to drugs or alcohol to make them feel better. Over time, this bad behavior can develop into a substance abuse problem that can cause even more problems. Treatment for both issues, like at our Boca dual diagnosis rehab, is usually the only way for the person to regain control.
Not only can losing your job impact your mental health and behaviors, but the mental health effects of unemployment may extend to your spouse and family as well. Anxiety, depression, anger, and hopelessness are all emotions that your loved ones may be feeling at this time. Especially if the effects of losing your job have been drastic and noticeable, your loved ones are likely experiencing these negative emotions with you. With time, your poor mental health could cause rifts in your family that are hard to heal.
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Supporting People with Mental Illness Back into Work
People experiencing mental illness can indeed be supported back into work, often with great success. One effective approach is through tailored schemes such as Individual Placement and Support (IPS). These programs are specifically designed to help individuals navigate the job market while accommodating their unique needs.
Effectiveness of IPS Programs
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Higher Employment Rates: IPS clients have a significantly higher chance of securing employment compared to those using traditional vocational or rehabilitation services. Studies indicate that individuals participating in IPS programs are almost twice as likely to gain employment, with success rates around 55% versus 28% for other services.
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Personalized Support: IPS schemes focus on providing personalized support and making reasonable adjustments in the workplace. This ensures that the specific challenges faced by individuals with mental illness are addressed, making employment not only accessible but also sustainable.
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Holistic Approach: These programs work within a framework that includes ongoing mental health care, offering a more integrated approach to recovery and employment. This holistic support system plays a crucial role in the success rates observed within IPS.
In summary, tailored schemes like Individual Placement and Support (IPS) have proven to be highly effective in supporting individuals with mental illness back into work, demonstrating increased employment rates and providing comprehensive support that meets their specific needs.
How Prevalent is Discrimination Around Mental Illness at Work?
Discrimination related to mental health issues in the workplace is alarmingly widespread. A significant portion of the workforce, over 60%, experiences fear of stigma due to their mental health conditions. This fear often discourages them from seeking job opportunities or promotions.
Key Statistics:
- Approximately 6 out of every 10 individuals with severe mental health issues report hesitancy in career advancement.
- The fear of being judged or treated unfairly due to mental illness can severely limit professional growth.
These figures highlight the urgent need for inclusive and supportive work environments where mental well-being is openly addressed and valued.
Is the Increase in Post-Pandemic Unemployment Tied Solely to Mental Health Issues?
The surge in unemployment rates since the pandemic can't be attributed solely to mental health concerns. Although there has been a noticeable uptick in individuals out of work due to mental health reasons, which rose by 16%, this is not the complete picture.
To provide further context:
- Musculoskeletal Issues: The number of people out of work due to musculoskeletal problems has increased by 27%.
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Those out of work because of cardiovascular issues have seen an even larger rise of 36%.
Clearly, while mental health concerns are a significant factor, they are part of a broader trend involving multiple health issues.
The impact of unemployment on mental health can be scary and overwhelming. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health problems, regardless of whether it is related to unemployment, get help. Our Pompano PHP for mental health helps patients get back to feeling like themselves again so they are able to move forward with their lives.
To get more details about our programs at Banyan Mental Health or to start the admissions process, call us today at 888-280-4763.
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