Feeling Hopeless in Times of Recession
The economic recession can create the perfect breeding ground to anxious feelings of uncertainty, depression, and hopelessness, especially in those who feel like they have done everything they could to tide themselves over the financial downturn, but are still struggling to survive. Losing a job and a home and having to depend on others for financial help can make anyone feel hopeless, especially with the dwindling job market, where the chances of finding a regular source of income is very slim. This feeling of hopelesness is more evident in men who may feel inadequate knowing that they cannot provide for their families after losing their jobs.
Effects of recession and unemployment
Unemployment has been shown by multiple studies to cause hopelesssness, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. All of these have been shown to be considerably higher in unemployed people. not only that, it has ALSO been shown to negatively affect physical health. Experts say that the lack of job deprives people of the sense of accomplishment, the time structure, and the opportunities to interact with people outside of the nuclear family environment that serve as positive psychological support. Unemployment has also been seen to have a negative effect on family life. Stress and anxiety over where to get the money for food, clothing, and the bills can cause a strain in family relationships. The longer the unemployed period is, the more evident this effect on family relationships.
Focus on the positive.
Although there is a lot to feel depressed and hopeless about, it is important to remember that this is not the end of the world. You may no longer have a job but there is still a world of things you can actually be positive about. Focusing on your health and being healthy enough to find a new job, on your family and keeping your home are just some of the positive things you can use to keep yourself from falling into depression. Also remember that recession is happening in most parts of the world, and that you are not the only one going through this alone.
Get support from family and friends by discussing your problems.
Talking about your anxieties and worries with your loved ones and trusted friends is one way to prevent wallowing in anxiety and depression. Verbal expression releases pent up emotional stress. Listening to the perspectives of others can also help you look at your situation more objectively.
Consider other sources of income and keep yourself busy.
The economic recession is the perfect time to use your other skills to make money. Aside from regular savings, using skills such as baking can easily be turned from a hobby to a money-making opportunity. Weed out the contents of your garage, attic, or storage space and get a garage sale going. You can also indulge in your favorite crafts and hobbies that you previously did not have time for and sell the results.
Jewelry-making, candle crafts, paper crafts, among others, are just creative activities that can also help you earn. Other options include tutoring and freelancing online to get extra money to tide you over this. Filling your time with useful money-making pursuits can prevent you from dwelling too much on losing your job and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Recession is here, and it looks like its not letting up anytime soon. If you have recently lost your job, you may be feeling depressed and anxious about your current situation, but you do not have to dwell on this for too long, or have to deal with this alone. Getting the support of family and friends, talking about your worries, being positive, finding about other ways to earn, and filling your time with productive pursuits are just some of the ways to tide yourself over this uncertain period in your life.
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Most people in the USA are work-addicted; this a form of mental illness. Many live to work, not work to live. Hence, the feelings of saddness or depression when they cannot get the constant validation from a “boss” or other stranger making them feel worthy–all has to do with an inherent low self esteem, inferiority complex, inadequacy issues, etc… Work-addiction (workaholism) is the only addiction that is socially acceptable in USA. People like to brag about “hard” work, or working on Sat or even Sun, or not taking a vacation time. It is NO different than a crack addict bragging about how much crack they did on Sat. But many are sheeple and won’t confront work-addiction. Perhaps, because most americans and baby boomers especially derive their identities from work, with its’ pitiful vacation allotment, or inability to develop hobbies, or interests outside of an office/cubicle, three ring binder fest, etc… Perhaps, we could learn from France, and other European countries and Pacific Island countries about live balance, and the frivolity called work because in the end—no one cares about your work, your job, etc….be happy to be without “work” as most of it is a form of controlled dying.