The new year started on a very bad note for employees across the globe, especially those in the tech world, with massive layoffs. Be it tech giants like Microsoft and Google or smaller start-ups, pink slips have been given to people and this includes employees in India. Job loss can be devastating for an individual and apart from the obvious financial implications, it can take a toll on one’s mental health. Dr Vishu Kumar, Consultant Psychiatrist, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, talks to us about mental health issues that can lead to job loss and how to deal with them.
How job loss affects mental health
Job loss is a significant stressor, especially when it is sudden. “The stress and uncertainty of being unemployed can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. Losing a job can be perceived as a loss of identity and self-worth. It can affect a person’s mental well-being as well as that of their family. Affects. Says Dr. Vishu Kumar. He adds, “Financial stress and inability to provide for oneself and one’s family can also add to the emotional toll of job loss. Uncertainty about earning, and fulfilling the role of social/family/husband/wife/parent becomes a challenge. The process is like suffering.”
Symptoms to Watch for: How to Identify Clinical Depression
Mental health experts explain that expected reactive sadness is also called an adjustment disorder. People with an adjustment disorder will have symptoms of depression that are not persistent and have not affected the person to play their part in work/social/family life. Whereas in clinical depression, persistent symptoms will last for at least two weeks.
Dr. Kumar explains that although everyone’s experience is different, here are 10 common symptoms:
- sadness or low mood or irritability
- tiring easily or lacking energy
- lack of interest or motivation
- unable to enjoy activities that were previously enjoyable
- self-defeating thoughts such as lack of hope, lack of self-worth, and thoughts of self-harm
- sleep/appetite disturbances
- lack of concentration
- memory lapses
- palpitations, tremors
- feeling on edge, restless
when to see a specialist
Dr Kumar says that if the symptoms are persistent and cause dysfunction in a person’s life, one should consult at the earliest. Better to have the first result, especially if there is a past or family history of mental health disorder/suicide.
“If you are having difficulty managing stress, if you are having difficulty with self-care and daily activities, or if you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it is also a good idea to seek professional help. Even if you are not experiencing severe symptoms, it can be beneficial to speak with a professional to help you deal with the emotional impact of job loss and develop strategies for moving forward,” says Dr. Kumar.
(pic: pixabay; representational purpose)
Doctor or Psychiatrist: Whom to contact?
If the symptoms are mild to moderate, says Dr Kumar, the first contact can be either a psychiatrist or a certified psychotherapist. “If symptoms are moderate to severe, a psychiatrist should be consulted first. An expert will decide on a case-by-case basis what is best for that person. Sometimes a person needs both medications and treatment. A combination may be required.” Dr. Kumar says.
Also read: Mental health – Adults with depression more likely to develop heart problems, says study
how to overcome depression
Dr Kumar mentions the key points to overcome depression
- Develop resilience in creating a good support system at work and at home where individuals can discuss mental health issues.
- Sleep well every day with sleep hygiene
- eating healthy foods – green leafy vegetables, and fruits, which contain a good amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
- do regular exercise/yoga
- continue doing activities that were previously enjoyable even if you may not enjoy them as much as before
- Challenge self-defeating thoughts, and discuss them. Don’t lose hope and remember it’s not the end of the world/everything.
- Get help asap.
Battling Depression: Do’s and Don’ts
Doing:
Acknowledge and Accept Your Feelings: It is normal to feel a variety of emotions like sadness, anger, and frustration after a job loss. Allow yourself to feel these feelings but try not to dwell on them. Depression is not a sign of weakness in personality.
Be Active: Try to maintain a routine and engage in activities you enjoy, such as exercise, hobbies, or volunteer work. It can help boost your mood and keep your mind engaged.
Connect with others: Talking to friends and family or joining a support group can help you feel less alone and can provide you with emotional support.
Seek professional help: A therapist or counselor can help you work through your feelings and develop coping strategies.
Keep an eye on: Remember that losing a job is not a reflection of your worth as a person, and that there are many other opportunities out there. Stay positive and keep looking for new opportunities.
Don’t:
Isolate yourself: Avoid withdrawing from social activities and isolating yourself. This will make you feel worse.
blame yourself: It’s easy to blame yourself for losing your job, but remember that it’s not always in your control.
Neglect your physical health: Job loss can be a stressful time, but it’s important to continue to take care of your physical health by eating well and getting enough sleep.
Leave: Job loss can be a blow, but it’s important to keep a positive attitude and not give up on looking for new opportunities.
Neglect your finances: Losing a job can be a difficult time financially, but it’s important to focus on your finances and manage your budget to the best of your ability.
Avoid bad behavior like substance abuse: Alcohol, tobacco, etc.
Dr. Kumar has important advice for friends and families of people struggling with depression after a job loss. “As a friend/spouse/family member, it is your responsibility to seek help, especially if your loved one is struggling with depression because their ability to make decisions has been impaired. Remember that they have the power to harm themselves. may have thoughts or actions (sometimes hiding thoughts of self-harm even from close people), so be alert and observant.”
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