Uticopa Blog

It's now out in the open. Unemployment causes depression causes physical symptoms.  We all know that the main reason for working is to gain money to feed ourselves and our families, together with fuelling our ever-increasing lifestyles.  However, it seems it's more subtle than that - and this is historically significant for men in particular.  To work, and indeed the type of work, is a significant source of a person's sense of self-worth and self-esteem. 

How many of us recall TV sitcoms of old, like Reggie Perrin and its ilk, whereby men would often still leave for work in the morning - complete with briefcase and pinstripe suit - months after losing their jobs.  The stigma attached to disclosing their misfortune was just too much to bear - even to their wives and family - so the familiar, comforting charade of a normal working routine was continued.  But what of the bottling-up of anxieties inside, together with the increasing likelihood of more illnesses to come?

It's a known fact that a high percentage of people develop a depressive illness within six months of becoming unemployed. In fact, after relationship difficulties, unemployment is the most likely thing to force you into a bad depression. With the loss of your job, even through no fault of your own, comes the risk of moving from a position of feeling in reasonable control of your life to facing an uncertain future and suffering from an eroded sense of self-confidence - especially if it takes a long time to find another job.

Once that infamous P45 is once again in your clammy hands, depression can flare up giving way to all kinds of symptoms. Here's what to look out for:

• Physical symptoms: such as headaches, gastrointestinal distress and sexual dysfunction.
• You're more irritable than usual and may lash out at those offering to help.
• You're worrying - even obsessing - about things more than usual.
• You're unusually quiet and seem unable to share what's bothering you.
• You're sluggish, tired and lack your usual interest in things you usually enjoy.

Annoyingly, when you're in the throes of unemployment-linked depression and all its side-effects, there are other knock-on effects to cope with too. The shift from your previous (employed) way of acting and feeling to a manner now lacking in self-confidence can affect your chances of gaining another job, especially in these days of rising unemployment levels and the consequent rise in high-level competition.  All of this puts into play a cycle of defeat and despair that can make your depression deepen.

The wrong road to take - but all too often one that so-many find themselves moving towards - is the misguided attempt to make yourself ‘feel better' by taking alcohol or drugs. Of course, these things deaden the symptoms for a while (and, let's face it, that's the reason people take it in the first place), but you still have to wake-up in the morning and face the cold light of reality again.  To get back into the world of work again - and consequently to get your life back on track - will require a clear, unfogged head and really-focused concentration.

Depression, from whatever cause, is a serious medical condition that affects your body, mood and innermost thoughts. Like any illness, depression requires treatment - the sooner the better. While it may take courage to reach out and ask for help, seeking professional treatment will bring the relief you need and deserve in order to get your life headed in a positive direction again. 

Don't do a Reggie Perrin:  contact a local mental health therapist, who has the skills to help you with your depression.  It's that vital first step you need to set you on the right track again.

Good luck!