Pathway to Illness
When people lose their jobs, they do have real problems. Typically, for example, their income and savings decline. They might struggle to keep up on their rent or mortgage payments and might not be able to afford to maintain the same standard of living they had beforehand.
However, research shows that your perspective regarding your financial situation can do more harm to your health than your actual financial circumstances – even as your savings dwindle.
Mental Health Suffers
There’s also a toll on your mental health.
Losing a job can lead to anxiety, depression and lower self-esteem.
Interestingly, people who face ongoing financial challenges but don’t get stressed about their situation aren’t more likely to develop depression symptoms than people without any financial stress.
Physical Health Troubles
Losing your job can harm your body in two main ways.
First, the stress from financial worries can affect people’s bodies directly – for example, by increasing blood pressure. Being in debt is associated with other ailments, including back pain and obesity.
Second, when money is tight, people often try to save money by skipping doctor visits or forgoing prescription drugs. Even with health insurance, high deductibles can mean paying thousands of dollars out of pocket before insurance helps. When choosing between paying for rent, food and health care, people often put their medical needs last.
Unhealthy Coping Methods
Some people turn to alcohol, tobacco or other substances to cope with the loss of their jobs. These habits are bad for your health and may empty your wallet, adding to the financial strain.
Others turn to gambling or excessive shopping to cope, which can also make money problems even worse.
Moving On in Healthy Ways
To be sure, some people become more resilient after losing their job by adopting positive coping strategies.
Whenever you lose a job, try reaching out. Your friends and loved ones can help protect your health while you move on.
In addition to applying for new positions, spend time networking. Reach out to former colleagues, join professional groups and attend events related to your career.
Try to volunteer. It will help you sharpen or expand your skills while expanding your networks and perhaps lead you to a new job.
And consider starting or expanding a side hustle. It will generate some income, give you a greater sense of control over your life and keep you feeling productive during the monotony of sending out applications.
Conclusion
Losing a job can have significant effects on one’s mental and physical health. It is essential to recognize these potential risks and take steps to mitigate them. By adopting healthy coping strategies, such as reaching out to friends and family, networking, volunteering, and starting a side hustle, individuals can reduce the negative impacts of job loss and move forward in a positive direction.
FAQs
Q: What are some common effects of job loss on mental and physical health?
A: Some common effects include increased stress, anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem, as well as physical health problems such as high blood pressure, back pain, and obesity.
Q: How can individuals cope with the loss of a job in a healthy way?
A: Individuals can cope with job loss in a healthy way by reaching out to friends and family, networking, volunteering, and starting a side hustle. They should also prioritize self-care, including regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a busy social life.
Q: What are some unhealthy coping methods that individuals may turn to after losing a job?
A: Some unhealthy coping methods that individuals may turn to after losing a job include alcohol, tobacco, and other substances, as well as gambling and excessive shopping.
