The Hidden Impact of Unemployment on Mental Health

According to a recent post by Arianna Huffington , One Medical found that 64% of employees reported struggling with mental health issues, and 45% of employees struggling with mental health at work report a productivity loss of more than five hours a week. These numbers are alarming, and it challenges employers to prioritize the well-being of their employees in the workplace.

But what about those who are currently unemployed and struggling with mental health issues due to a lack of access to care?

This is a question that deserves our attention.

The Impact of Layoffs on Mental Health Care Accessibility

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, access to mental health care is a major issue in the United States, with more than half of adults with mental illness not receiving treatment. This issue has become even more pressing as daily announcements of mass layoffs flood LinkedIn, leaving many individuals feeling scared, some even starting to feel a little hopeless. Job seekers post desperate pleas for help, having searched for work for up to, and over, six months, many stemming from layoffs that are not associated with FAANG companies or well-known corporations, which honestly haven’t gotten the same mass attention.

Some people have had to make difficult choices to take care of their families, such as giving up their homes and moving in with relatives. And we’re not even beginning to talk about those in non-corporate spaces that may not have (nor think about) accessing LinkedIn.

Let’s be honest – this is some hard shit.

The Impact of Long-Term Unemployment on Mental Health

Psych Central discusses the impact of long-term unemployment on mental health, showing that the longer someone is unemployed, the more likely their mental health will be affected. Losing a job means losing not only an income but also benefits, including access to mental health services. Unfortunately, mental health services are already largely inaccessible and inadequate in the U.S., even with adequate insurance. Unemployment exacerbates mental health issues, and navigating these without the proper support is a significant challenge and risky depending on your needs.

To further emphasize the impact on long-term unemployment on mental health, consider the story of Tracy (name changed for privacy purposes), who lost her job due to company downsizing and has been struggling to find new employment for the past five months. Tracy’s self-esteem has suffered greatly, and she feels increasingly isolated and disconnected from others. She is also struggling to pay for necessities like rent and food, which adds to her anxiety and depression. Without the proper support, navigating her mental health challenges has been a significant challenge and risk.

The Link Between Basic Needs and Mental Health

It is a matter of basic Maslow's hierarchy of needs, a theory in psychology that suggests that human beings have a set of basic needs that must be met before they can focus on higher-order needs.

As outlined by Maslow's hierarchy of needs, our physiological and safety needs must be met before we can focus on anything else. This means that when we are struggling to find stable employment or housing, it can be difficult to address other important aspects of our lives, such as our mental health.

The stress and anxiety of long-term unemployment or underemployment can be all-consuming, making it challenging to focus on anything beyond finding our next meal or securing a safe place to live. Without a stable foundation of basic needs being met, it can be nearly impossible to prioritize self-care or seek out mental health resources, which further exacerbates the negative impact of unemployment on mental health.

Moving Beyond Workplace Conversations

The impact of underemployment and long-term unemployment on mental health is complex and multifaceted, especially when access to mental health services is limited or non-existent due to a lack of insurance. If you are navigating the challenges of underemployment or unemployment, remember that your mental health and well-being are just as important as your physical needs. It's okay to ask for help, seek support from loved ones, or prioritize self-care.

Beyond taking care of ourselves, we can also advocate for better access to mental health resources, such as affordable therapy and support services. We can push for policies in our local communities and organizations that prioritize the well-being of all individuals, regardless of their employment status.

Although it's crucial to continue the conversation about mental health in the workplace, we must also extend our focus beyond it. We must work towards a future where everyone, including those who are unemployed or underemployed, has access to the necessary support and resources to thrive.