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Key TakeawaysResearch shows that unemployment is associated with increased depression and anxiety.Acknowledging your feelings can help you heal from the loss and move on.When you feel overwhelmed, focus on what you can control and take action.

Key Takeaways

Research shows that unemployment is associated with increased depression and anxiety.Acknowledging your feelings can help you heal from the loss and move on.When you feel overwhelmed, focus on what you can control and take action.

The stress of unemployment can take a serious toll on your well-being under any circumstance. But during the coronavirus pandemic, your stress levels may be even higher than usual.

With our current situation and the state of the globaleconomy, there is a much lower chance of landing a new job anytime soon. And it’s unclear when social distancing measures will end or what shape the economy will be in when you are able to return to work.

Add in the fear of getting sick, the inability to leave home, and the need to educate your children, and you’ve got a recipe for an increased risk of mental health issues.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to cope with the stress in a healthy way if you’ve lost your job. Managing your distress and taking positive action may help you maintain your mental health during this crisis.

Unemployment has been linked to a greater risk of depression, anxiety, suicide,substance abuse, andviolence.

In fact, studies show people who lose their jobs are twice as likely to reportdepressionand anxiety symptoms when compared with people who remain stably employed.

Here are several reasons why not having a job can take a serious toll on your psychological well-being:

There are two main things you can do to manage your mental health when faced with this situation: address your unemployment, and address how you feel about being unemployed.

Tackle the Problem

It’s important to take action that will help solve your problems when you’re unemployed, such as looking for resources that help you manage yourfinancial strainand looking for employment.

During the coronavirus pandemic, looking for work might not be so easy. You might be waiting for businesses to open up, so you can return to your old job. Or you might not be certain if your old job will even exist when this is over.

There are few places hiring right now, so your chances of getting another job at the moment are limited. But this doesn’t mean you should idly wait for things to get better. You can take action now to manage your finances and address your employment situation.

This action might include things such as:

A Verywell Report: Americans Find Strength in Online Therapy

Tackle How You Feel About the Problem

In addition to addressing your employment issues, you can also address your emotional distress head-on.

Resources That Can Help

There are many employment and financial resources that have become available during the coronavirus pandemic for individuals who have lost their jobs.

211

Whether you’re concerned about health insurance, or you’re having difficulty paying your utility bill, 211 may beable to direct youto someone who can help. They specialize in locating helpful resources, and it’s free of charge.

State Government Websites

Every state offers slightly different benefits and services, so it’s important to go to yourstate’s website. The website can help you locate financial assistance programs and an application for unemployment.

CareerOneStop

Thiswebsiteexplains unemployment benefits and can help you discover your eligibility.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Thisbill, enacted in March 2020, explains unemployment benefits, paid sick leave rules, and food assistance benefits during the pandemic.

Small Business Administration (SBA)

Small businesses may apply for low-interest disaster loans, some of which may be forgiven. Learn morehere

Feeding America

TheFeeding Americawebsite provides information on local food banks and how to access them during this crisis.

What This Means For YouIt’s frustrating and scary to be unemployed. And it’s tough to plan for the future right now due to the uncertainty of the situation. But taking care of yourself and your mental health can help you cope with some of the distress you’re feeling.If you’re struggling to manage your mental health, however, it’s not a sign of weakness. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talking to a therapist can help. And there are many ways to reach out to a therapistonlineright now, so you don’t even have to leave home to do it.

What This Means For You

It’s frustrating and scary to be unemployed. And it’s tough to plan for the future right now due to the uncertainty of the situation. But taking care of yourself and your mental health can help you cope with some of the distress you’re feeling.If you’re struggling to manage your mental health, however, it’s not a sign of weakness. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talking to a therapist can help. And there are many ways to reach out to a therapistonlineright now, so you don’t even have to leave home to do it.

It’s frustrating and scary to be unemployed. And it’s tough to plan for the future right now due to the uncertainty of the situation. But taking care of yourself and your mental health can help you cope with some of the distress you’re feeling.

If you’re struggling to manage your mental health, however, it’s not a sign of weakness. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talking to a therapist can help. And there are many ways to reach out to a therapistonlineright now, so you don’t even have to leave home to do it.

Helpful LinksHow to Protect Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 PandemicHow to Transition To Online Therapy

How to Protect Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 PandemicHow to Transition To Online Therapy

How to Protect Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

How to Transition To Online Therapy

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.

1 SourceVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Goldman-Mellor, SJ.Unemployment and mental health. In:Encyclopedia of Mental Health. Elsevier; 2016:350-355. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-397045-9.00053-7

1 Source

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Goldman-Mellor, SJ.Unemployment and mental health. In:Encyclopedia of Mental Health. Elsevier; 2016:350-355. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-397045-9.00053-7

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Goldman-Mellor, SJ.Unemployment and mental health. In:Encyclopedia of Mental Health. Elsevier; 2016:350-355. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-397045-9.00053-7

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