The 3 main psychological consequences of unemployment

These are the ways in which unemployment affects us psychologically.

Unemployment is another of the consequences that the pandemic is unfortunately leaving behind, creating a situation of great wear and tear among the population. At the beginning of the pandemic, we all thought that it would be temporary and that a few weeks of confinement would solve it. But the truth is that the reality is different, and it is dragging on for too long.

In this context, many people have been left without work, and that also has psychological consequences..

The psychological impact of unemployment

At first the job loss goes through a phase of shock, followed by a certain enthusiasm, because at first you think about resting and spending more time on the things you like, on a mini-vacation. But then comes the downturn, the loss of motivation, the despair.... This process can be triggered by several psychological mechanisms, as we will see.

1. Loss of routines and references on what to do

Work provides security, stability, gives us a routine, helps us to have a schedule, an organization... which is very good for our mental stability.

Routine helps to generate habits, and with the loss of a job, these habits are also lost and we can begin to acquire other less healthy ones.For example, going to the bar more, drinking or Smoking more, addiction to video games, isolation because of a certain deterioration in family and social relationships...

2. Wear and tear of self-esteem

All these consequences also affect self-esteem. Because many times, in social gatherings, when others share topics and work anecdotes, they nevertheless feel that nothing has happened to them in their lives. All this generates negative thoughts, unemployed people enter into constant comparisonsThey undervalue themselves, feel insecure in conversations, and become socially withdrawn.

Also it can happen to them certain slovenliness in the image; they neglect to arrange themselves, to dress with ironed clothes... all that also contributes to a psychological uneasiness, which damages the self-esteem.

3. Effects of unemployment stress

On the other hand, it is not necessary to forget that unemployment is tied to the limitation of material resources.. This has a notable psychological impact which is quickly expressed especially in the middle and lower classes, i.e. the majority of the population.

The importance of going to therapy

Many people with psychological problems due to unemployment are slow to ask for professional help, and when they go for consultation it is because they have anxiety, insomnia, digestive problems, or even unjustified physical fatigue.

Why is it good to go to therapy? When a person is in this situation, it is necessary to work with their thoughts. It is necessary to avoid entering into these comparisons, undervaluation? It is necessary to Learn once again to value and love yourself, working on your motivation and channeling it towards a new job search, new projects and illusions, and work on your expectations..

Practicing exercise and establishing a schedule are some very important tips for this type of situation. Maintain the habits of when we were going to work, take care of ourselves, dress up, maintain physical and mental activity, and rest well. It is also very good to meet with another person who is in the same situation, to share routines, as well as positive energy.

It doesn't have to be a negative thing. Many people take advantage of this situation to reinvent themselves, to consider a change of sector, a job improvement, or even set up a new business, a project with which they recover the illusion, and even improve their life before unemployment.

In these situations there are no culprits or rivals.We have to channel that anxiety towards positive things, leaning on our family and friends. In addition, we must not isolate ourselves, remembering that most people have gone through this situation at some point in their lives and seek professional help when needed.