Joblessness and Mental Health

People unemployed for more than six months show signs of depression -- job searching creates anxiety, as does fear of rejection. For me it becomes surreal at times, like I can't believe that this is happening to me -- the food stamps, the WIC, the fact that everyone around me seems to have something important to do and I don't. It is, in a nutshell very depressing. But apparently I am not alone. The unemployment rate in the United States is at 8.1%, but that doesn't include people who haven't been looking for a job recently. Some of the things that afflict the jobless are depression, eating habits that revolve around on comfort foods, leading to binging. Stress, anxiety and negative thoughts make it hard to get a good night's sleep, resulting in fatigue and lethargy. This can ultimately lead to weight gain. It's an unfortunate cycle. Research suggests that being unemployed doubles a person's chance of a major depressive episode and that unemployment is also highly associated with domestic violence and alcohol abuse, Leahy said. Unemployment is also associated with an increased risk of suicide, often because of the link to depression, according to the Suicide Research and Prevention Center.and only 1 in 10 long-term unemployed find work -- dismal statistics. Physical health may also suffer: new medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes may follow the loss of a job. There are suggestions that unemployment can even lead to cardiovascular disease, although it is difficult to prove that job loss causes heart damage.Physical symptoms can also include joint and body aches. Strains on intimate relationships might result from being unemployed, since frustration between partners can result from financial worries. However, divorcerates have been shown to be lower among the unemployed. Feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed about their situations, some unemployed people isolate themselves socially and don't find enjoyment in the activities they once did, Lang said. They may feel hopeless, confused or overwhelmed. Not everyone gets clinical depression as a result of unemployment, but it can happen. Friends and family of unemployed people should look for warning signs, such as sadness, lack of energy, insomnia and irritability. With all of this bad news, instead of ruminating, you could take a proactive role in searching for a new job and taking care of yourself. Try to acquire new skills or network if you can. This is what I've been trying to do but I have to admit it is very difficult. At times I feel entirley useless. It's also said that keeping a consistent schedule helps people who are feeling overwhelmed about the prospect of another day without a job. Chart out what times of day you will be looking for jobs, when you will be sending out resumes and when you will eat your meals. Structured time and physical activity have been linked in research with higher mental health. Even a walk can help. Bottom line is that we unemployed need to do whatever it takes to feel needed and useful in a world seems to be passing us by. It's not easy -- that I know from experience.