Losing a job is more than just a financial setback — research has shown a strong correlation between unemployment and mental health conditions. Job loss often triggers a cascade of emotional and psychological challenges, including anxiety and depression, and the effects of layoff also extend beyond those directly affected. According to “The Psychological Consequences of Unemployment” by Deborah Belle and Heather E. Bullock, employees who keep their positions during organizational downsizing can experience similar levels of physical and psychological distress as those who were let go. The fear of being next in line for termination can create significant stress and anxiety.
Additionally, these workers frequently struggle with increased workloads as they absorb the responsibilities of departed colleagues. Understanding these complex psychological dynamics is crucial for developing effective support systems and interventions that address both the immediate and long-term mental health impacts of job loss.
Long-Term Effects and Harmful Coping Mechanisms
When unemployment extends beyond a few months, the emotional toll can become increasingly heavy. Many people may find themselves developing various coping mechanisms to manage the overwhelming stress and uncertainty. While some of these coping strategies might provide temporary relief, it’s important to recognize when they might be causing more harm than good. What may start as stress management could lead to alcoholism or substance abuse. This can spiral into a destructive cycle — addiction and financial hardship may feed into each other, making recovery more difficult without proper help and support.
Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk Indicators
Research shows that unemployment, especially when combined with other stressors, can significantly increase vulnerability to suicide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an American dies by suicide every 11 minutes. Recognizing warning signs is crucial for prevention and early intervention. These signs typically appear as noticeable changes in behavior — withdrawal from social activities, expressions of hopelessness, or giving away personal possessions. Common warning signs that require immediate attention include:
- Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness or having no purpose
- Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain
- Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious, agitated, or engaging in reckless behavior
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
Although these signs don’t always indicate suicidal thoughts, they should never be ignored. These warning signs should always be treated with the utmost seriousness and care. Suicide prevention is a collective responsibility — by staying alert and supporting one another, we can prevent tragic outcomes and save lives.
Finding Hope and Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges after job loss, remember that support is available. Reach out for help! Every person deserves support during difficult times. National crisis helplines are available 24/7, and many communities offer free or low-cost mental health services. If you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide, call or text 988, Get Help – 988 Lifeline, to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. YOU’RE NOT ALONE.
REFERENCES:
Belle, D. and Bullock, H. SPSSI Policy Statement: The Psychological Consequences of Unemployment. Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues. ****Retrieved from https://www.spssi.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.viewpage&pageid=1457.
CDC. (2024). Suicide Data and Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/data.html.
Classen, T. and Dunn, R. (February 14, 2011). The effect of job loss and unemployment duration on suicide risk in the United States: a new look using mass-layoffs and unemployment duration. Health Economics. 21(3), 338-350. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hec.1719.
Cummins, I. (February 13, 2015). The link between unemployment and suicide. World Economic Forum. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/stories/2015/02/the-link-between-unemployment-and-suicide/.
Nolte-Troha, C., Roser, P., Henkel, D., Scherbaum, N., Koller, G., and Andreas, F. (2023). Unemployment and Substance Use: An Updated Review of Studies from North America and Europe. Healthcare. 11(8), 1182. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/11/8/1182.
Nordt, C., Warnke, I., Seifritz, E., & Kawohl, W. (2015). Modelling suicide and unemployment: A longitudinal analysis covering 63 countries, 2000–11. The Lancet Psychiatry. 2(3), 239–245. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(14)00118-7.
Pappas, S. (October 1, 2020). The toll of job loss. Monitor on Psychology. 51(7). Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/10/toll-job-loss.
University of Zurich. (February 10, 2015). One in five suicides is associated with unemployment. ScienceDaily. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150210211829.htm.
Adeline (Addy) Maissonet is a Procurement Analyst for the Defense Pricing, Contracting, and Acquisition Policy (DPCAP) within the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). She serves as a senior advisor on contracting policies and procedures and the agency’s representative on the Department’s views on proposed legislation to Congressional members, their staff, and committee staffers. Prior to her current role, Addy served as a Division Chief and Contracting Officer with unlimited warrant authority for the U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) – Fort Eustis, Virginia. Addy holds an MBA in Management and Contracting Level III Certification under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act. She is a graduate from Cornell University’s Executive Leadership Certificate Program. In her free time, Addy enjoys hiking and overlanding with her family and friends.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense.
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