The Scottish Health Survey (2021) estimates that, in any given year, one in four people may experience mental health issues, with those living in deprived areas scoring lower than those living in affluent areas; and with people aged 25 to 34 having the lowest scores. In the UK, the annual economic cost of poor mental health is estimated to be around £117bn, mainly due to lost productivity and care provider expenses. Throughout 2021–2, mental health costs in Scotland amounted to £1.3m or 8.78% of all NHS spending. Being unemployed can have a negative impact on mental, emotional and financial well-being. The loss of a job or longer-term unemployment can cause unemployment depression, which can make days seem hopeless and aspirations seem unachievable. Nonetheless, there are strategies to help you get through it and try to move on. What is Unemployment Depression and what are the symptoms? Being unemployed or losing your job can lead to unemployment depression. Unlike chronic depression this is categorised as situational and is usually temporary. The search for a new position in the labour market can also have an impact, in addition to losing your employment. Many people find that looking for a job can be emotionally taxing and require them to deal with rejection and uncertainty. This constant pressure can exacerbate anxiety and feelings of worthlessness, making it harder to distinguish between the beginning of unemployment depression and a normal reaction to stressful life events. Although it's common to experience sadness or anxiety following a job loss, these emotions usually pass as you come to terms with your new situation. These emotions, however, may persist when you have depression unrelated to unemployment and can seriously affect your general health and quality of life. If you are experiencing these overwhelming emotions, understand that you're not the only one. Getting help, whether from friends, family, professionals, or online resources, can provide practical advice and emotional support in challenging times. It is important to recognise the symptoms of unemployment depression, as doing so can help you understand it. They are:
Support for Mental Health and Wellbeing If you think you have unemployment depression or you are suffering from any other mental health issues, you should contact your GP. Most surgeries have a dedicated Mental Health Nurse that you can see. The Positive Moves programme is a project that provides free and comprehensive support to Clackmannanshire individuals aged between 16 and 67 who have training or support needs and challenges that make it difficult for them to think about work, to think about taking the first steps towards employment and to compete for jobs. The programme offers a wide variety of support including:
Click here to pre-register for the Positive Moves programme. If you are interested in finding out even more about how Clackmannanshire Economic Regeneration Trust (CERT) can help you, please visit our website