Being unemployed not only damage our economic capacity, it also affects our mental health. The unemployment rate is worrisome in Spain, and in fact, is almost 20% of the population. This is one of the most worrying problems for Spaniards, who since the economic crisis that began in 2008, have seen how precarious work has become a reality in our country.
However, unemployment does not only have material consequences on purchasing power. It also carries a higher risk of suffering from depressive symptoms.
Source: breathetherapies.co.uk
Contents
Psychology and unemployment
Surely, the first thing that comes to mind when we are out of work is the loss of money we suffer, and how economic problems can significantly alter our lives. The truth is that being unemployed not only affects our pocket but causes serious problems at the psychological level. The experts even talk about a phenomenon called “unemployment depression”.
The psychological consequences of being unemployed are not only suffered by the person who is unemployed, but also by his family. You can check it in the article ” Unemployment of parents causes depression and anxiety in children, according to study “, where the psychologist Mike Souheil delves into these consequences and how they affect the life of a person without work.
What is unemployment depression
The unemployment depression arises when the person has been unemployed for several months and perceives that the situation is over. The initial “shock” of running out of work can be joined by repeated failed attempts to find employment.
The person’s self-esteem suffers, because the individual may experience that they practically do not call him for job interviews despite having delivered thousands of CVs. This situation discourages the person, who feels guilt and failure along the path that is taking his life.
Source: schoolchoice.com.au
Symptoms of this mental disorder
The unemployment depression presents a series of symptoms that we show you next.
1. Learned helplessness
Being unemployed for a long time can burn the person so that their own resources run out. Every day that passes without finding work and not seeing results in front of his efforts, he gives the message to individuals that whatever they do their situation will not change. This accumulation of frustrations can lead the individual to suffer learned helplessness.
2. Low self-esteem
This delicate situation leads the person to assess themselves negatively since he usually feels guilty despite the fact that the unemployment situation has a structural cause. Low self-esteem also affects your self-confidence, and each time you feel more like an unsuccessful individual.
3. Somatic symptoms
Psychological affectation can cause physical symptoms. Headaches sleep difficulties, upset stomach, etc., maybe some of the consequences of unemployment depression.
4. Bad habits
With time, the person leaves more and more. It is difficult for him to follow healthy habits, such as physical exercise or poor nutrition. In fact, he can consume addictive substances to avoid facing reality and the problems that arise in his life.
5. Other symptoms
Other symptoms such as anxiety, apathy, demotivation or aggressive behavior can occur when a person suffers from depression due to unemployment.
Source: Refinery29
What to do to prevent this delicate situation
Being unemployed is a very stressful life event since it has consequences not only personal but also social. But what to do to avoid falling into depression when we have no work? Below you can find some tips.
1. Keep a positive attitude and do not lose hope
Do not let the panic take over you and keep a positive attitude. Maybe the options do not appear at the first exchange, but if you keep looking for work, something may come out. On a personal level, stay active and keep practicing some hobby, it will help you to disconnect and keep your mind occupied.
2. Know yourself
Maybe, in reality, you do not know yourself in depth. Find out what you are good at so that you can have greater chances of success in finding a job. Once you know who you are, then you can sell yourself better and possibly someone is interested in hiring you.
3. Control your expenses
Many times, unemployment depression appears because of the pace of life we have. And it is logical that economic worries lead us to suffer anxiety, stress and depression.
There are cases in which it is not possible to remedy financial difficulties, but in other cases, it is a matter of mentality. Eliminate everything that is not a priority in your life from your expenses and adopt another way of thinking.
4. Get help
Although the welfare state has suffered a major crisis, there are still governmental or local grants that can allow you to reduce the problems that have appeared in this delicate moment of your life. As far as possible, exhaust this route.
Source: Tattoo.com
5. Form yourself
If you have the time to train … do it! Do not waste time waiting, be proactive not only in the search for a job but also in your personal development. Nowadays it is not necessary to go to educational centers, you can study online. So if you can economically afford it, you have no excuse for not continuing to train yourself.
6. Surround yourself with your loved ones
In this delicate situation is a good time to surround yourself with the people who love you the most. Maybe you need to tell them how you feel or just spend pleasant moments. Count on them now that you need them.
