How does unemployment affect mental and physical health?

Unemployment can lead to significant mental and physical health issues, including depression, anxiety, and heart disease.

Unemployment is a stressful life event that can have profound effects on a person's mental and physical health. The loss of income, coupled with the uncertainty of the future, can lead to feelings of worthlessness, despair, and anxiety. These feelings can manifest as mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders. A study by Paul and Moser (2009) found that unemployment increases the risk of mental health disorders by about 83%. This is because the loss of a job can lead to a loss of identity and purpose, which are key components of mental well-being.

Moreover, the stress of unemployment can also lead to physical health problems. Chronic stress can cause a variety of physical ailments, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular diseases. The strain of unemployment can also lead to unhealthy behaviours such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and increased alcohol and tobacco use, which further exacerbate health problems. A study by Roelfs et al. (2011) found that unemployment is associated with a 63% higher risk of mortality among individuals who were previously employed.

Furthermore, the impact of unemployment on health is not just limited to the individual. It can also have a ripple effect on families and communities. For instance, children of unemployed parents may experience more health problems due to increased stress and reduced access to healthcare and nutritious food. Communities with high unemployment rates may also see an increase in overall health problems, including mental health issues and substance abuse.

In conclusion, unemployment can have severe impacts on mental and physical health. It is therefore crucial for policymakers to consider the health impacts of unemployment when designing economic and social policies. This could include providing adequate unemployment benefits, offering mental health support to those out of work, and implementing policies to reduce unemployment rates.