Economy affecting your mental health?

 Chris Wodke

http://www.summittrainingpublications.com/

There has been some good news as unemployment dropped to around 9 percent this week. We have a brand new governor in Wisconsin who has vowed to see 250,000 jobs created.

Still the economy is tough. Here in Wisconsin the unemployment rate is still near 8 percent.  Jobs do not seem to be easy to get. There are lots of dire predictions for 2011.

Is the bad economy taking a toll on your mental and emotional health? If so you are not alone.  The more stress you experience the more likely it is you will experience mental health issues. Being unemployed is one of the most stressful events you will ever have in your life. Being unemployed now is more difficult because few jobs are being added to the economy. Being unemployed and not knowing when you will find work is extremely stressful.

I recently read that a survey by the Mental Health America showed the unemployed were four times more likely to report  symptoms of severe mental illness.  When unemployed you may not have insurance and may have lost you old support network in the workplace. This can make it difficult to get the care needed if a problem occurs or to even recognize the warning signs.

But even if you are working you may also be at risk. If you hours were cut, benefits slashed, wages frozen or survived a layoff you may also experience some risk to your mental health. You may feel anxiety or guilt that you are still working. Maybe you have to work harder and more hours at the same or less pay to make up for laid off co-workers.

Studies show that the rate of depression in layoff survivors is as high as in those laid off.

If you are feeling stressed, keep up your network of friends and family. See you doctor or mental health professional if you are experiencing signs of depression. Be sure to manager your stress with exercise, eating well, hobbies, laughter and good rest.

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