Unemployment is a problem that affects people across the globe in different ways.

The United Nations declared the year 2021 as the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development and noted that job loss is one of the significant challenges facing the global economy. Unemployment has a severe impact on the economy, but the effect on the mental health of the individual is equally significant.

Mental Health and Unemployment

Unemployment has adverse consequences on the mental well-being of people. It can cause depression, anxiety, loss of self-esteem, and even lead to suicide in severe cases.

The sense of losing control over one’s life and inability to meet basic needs leads to a feeling of helplessness, which often becomes overwhelming. The prolonged periods of uncertainty and inactivity that come with unemployment can cause deterioration in mental health and lead to various psychological problems.

Stress and Unemployment

Work plays a significant role in human life, not only as a source of income but also as a source of identity, status, and purpose. Losing a job often leads to stress, which manifests itself in various ways.

Stress causes a release of cortisol into the bloodstream, leading to rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, and increased risk of heart disease. Prolonged exposure to stress can cause physical and mental exhaustion, leading to fatigue and feelings of isolation.

Impact of Unemployment on Families

Unemployment does not only impact the individual but also affects their immediate family members. A breadwinner’s job loss can lead to economic instability, which puts a strain on the family’s finances.

Studies have shown that unemployment can cause family members to blame each other for their situation, leading to feelings of frustration, anger, and guilt. Children are often the most affected by the parents’ unemployment, with increased risks of poor academic performance, poor health, and behavioural problems.

Dealing with Unemployment Stress

Regardless of the cause, job loss can have a significant impact on an individual’s mental well-being. However, there are steps that one can take to manage the stress that comes with unemployment.

Firstly, it’s essential to recognize the benefits of mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and exercise to help manage stress levels.

Secondly, it’s crucial to maintain social connections, which are often severed after job loss. A supportive network of friends and family can provide much-needed comfort, advice, and encouragement during the job search process.

Thirdly, seeking professional help from a mental health professional can be hugely beneficial. A therapist can help an individual work through their feelings of loss, depression, anxiety, and boost their self-confidence.

Government Support and Unemployment

In many countries, the government provides support to the unemployed to help ease their financial burden. Many unemployment programs offer financial assistance or provide job training to help individuals acquire new skills that can lead to employment.

Access to reliable income can help individuals maintain their mental well-being by ensuring that their basic needs are met.

During economic downturns, governments can take steps to protect jobs and stimulate job growth.

This includes measures such as increasing investment in infrastructure, tax breaks and incentives for businesses, and providing support to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Conclusion

The impact of unemployment on mental health is significant. It can cause stress, depression, anxiety, and other psychological problems, which can lead to physical and mental exhaustion.

Losing a job can also impact family members and children, leading to economic instability and social issues. It’s essential to recognize the benefits of mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and exercise to help manage stress levels. It’s equally crucial to maintain social connections, which can sometimes be severed after job loss.

Governments can provide support to the unemployed to help ease their financial burden and stimulate job growth by investing in infrastructure and providing businesses with incentives.