The unemployment rate is worrying in Spain, and in fact stands at almost 20% of the population.This is one of the most worrying problems for Spaniards, who since the economic crisis that began in 2008, have seen how precarious employment has become a reality in our country.

However, unemployment does not only have material consequences on purchasing power. It also entails an increased risk of suffering from depressive symptoms .

Psychology and unemployment

Surely, the first thing that comes to mind when we become unemployed is the loss of income that we suffer, and how economic problems can significantly alter our lives. The truth is that being unemployed not only affects our pocketbook , but also causes serious problems on a psychological level. Experts even talk about a phenomenon called “unemployment depression”.

The psychological consequences of being unemployed are not only suffered by the person who is unemployed, but also by his family . You can see this in the article “Parental unemployment causes depression and anxiety in children, according to a study”, where the psychologist Jonathan García-Allen delves into these consequences and how they affect the life of a person without a job.

What is unemployment depression

Unemployment depression arises when a person has been unemployed for several months and perceives that the situation is beyond him/her. The initial “shock” of becoming unemployed can be compounded by repeated failed attempts to get a job.

The person’s self-esteem suffers , as the individual may experience that he or she is hardly called for job interviews despite having submitted thousands of resumes. This situation discourages the person, who feels guilt and failure for the path his life is taking.

Symptoms of this mental disorder

Unemployment depression has a number of symptoms that are shown below.

1. Learned helplessness

Being unemployed for a long time can burn a person out so that his or her own resources are exhausted. Every day that passes without finding a job and seeing results in the face of their efforts, gives the message to individuals that whatever they do, their situation is not going to change. This accumulation of frustrations can lead the individual to suffer from learned helplessness.

2. Low self-esteem

This delicate situation leads the person to value himself negatively, as he often feels guilty despite the fact that the unemployment situation has a structural cause. Low self-esteem also affects his self-confidence , and he increasingly feels like a failed individual.

3. Somatic symptoms

The psychological effect can cause physical symptoms. Headaches, sleeping difficulties, sexual problems , stomach discomfort, etc., may be some of the consequences of unemployment depression.

4.Bad habits

Over time, the person leaves more and more. It is difficult for them to follow healthy habits, such as practising physical exercise or poor nutrition. In fact, they may even use addictive substances such as drugs or alcohol to avoid facing reality and the problems that arise in their lives.

5. Other symptoms

Other symptoms such as anxiety, apathy, demotivation or aggressive behaviour can occur when a person suffers from unemployment depression.

What to do to prevent this delicate situation

Being unemployed is a very stressful life event, since it has not only personal but also social consequences. But what can we do to avoid falling into depression when we don’t have a job? Below you can find some tips.

1. Keep a positive attitude and don’t lose hope

Don’t let panic get the better of you and keep a positive attitude. Options may not appear at first glance, but if you keep looking for work, something may come up. On a personal level, stay active and keep practicing some hobby , because it will help you to disconnect and keep your mind busy.

2. Know thyself

You may not really know yourself that well. Find out what you’re good at so you can have a better chance of succeeding in your job search. Once you know who you are, then you can sell yourself better and possibly someone will be interested in hiring you .

3. Control your expenses

Many times, unemployment depression appears because of the pace of life we have. And it is logical that economic concerns lead us to suffer anxiety , stress and depression.

There are cases in which financial difficulties cannot be remedied, but in other cases it is a matter of mentality . Eliminate from your expenses everything that is not a priority in your life and adopt another way of thinking.

4. Seek help

Although the welfare state has suffered a great crisis, there are still governmental or local aids that can allow you to reduce the problems that have appeared in this delicate moment of your life. As far as possible, exhaust this avenue.

5. Form

If you have a chance to train… do it! Don’t waste your time standing around, be proactive not only in your job search but also in your personal development . Nowadays it is not necessary to go to schools, you can study online. So if you can afford it, you have no excuse not to continue training.

6. Surround yourself with your loved ones

In this delicate situation it is a good time to surround yourself with the people who love you most. Maybe you need to tell them how you feel or just have a good time. Count on them now that you need them.

7. Seek psychological help

Sometimes getting out of this situation of hopelessness is not easy, and psychological support is needed. There are good professionals who can be of great help when you begin to feel the downturn of this situation. You can find out about the best psychology clinics in the article “Top 10 Psychology and Psychotherapy Clinics”.

Tips for finding a job

If you want some tips to find a job, in the article “I don’t have a job: 7 expert tips to find a job” you can discover the best strategies to get back to work after being unemployed.