Impact of Long-term Unemployment on Women's Mental Health - Essay Example

The Impact of Long Term Unemployment on Womens Mental Health Introduction Long-term unemployment has been identified as one of the causes of poor mental health. It constitutes joblessness or lack of employment opportunities over a long duration of time. This situation may be extreme, hence leading to economic and social effects on the unemployed person. Women who participated in this research had experienced or were undergoing long-term unemployment. Unemployment is a serious situation that precipitates to the development of mental health problems in women (Alasuutari et al, 2009: pg. 65). This pilot study seeks to establish the rate of unemployment in relation to mental health issues. In addition, it establishes the differences that exist among women with regard to how the situation of unemployment for such longer durations affects them. For instance, some women often develop mild mental health problems while others experience acute mental health issues when they are faced with challenges such as unemployment. This research intends to consider different levels of education among the unemployed women, in relation to those with and those without a college education. It compares different aspects within the spectrum of unemployment and considers the different working ages that are more susceptible to long-term unemployment. For instance, the major age consideration in this research is the ages between 16 and 64. Design: the research was mainly through Qualitative research method that included (interview), content and thematic analysis of the results. Key words: long-term unemployment, women’s mental health, economic pressure. Background Long-term unemployment is a product of various sets of factors of the economy. For instance, the great economic recession led to gross loss of employment that caused long-term unemployment due to lack of jobs that could not be replaced in short periods. In America, for instance, the ailing economy has been the major cause of long-term unemployment that economically hit hard on those who are not employed (Alasuutari et al, 2009: pg. 65). Psychologically, these people are much affected that they began to experience problems with their mental health. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the extent of the effects and the dangers associated with the longer periods of joblessness. Among the long term unemployed people, 60 per cent believe they have enough knowledge and skills that they can use to secure employment. They believe in their requisite abilities to be competitive in the job market, but the only problem is the lack of such opportunity. As explained, the economic conditions have so far been identified as the major cause of long-term unemployment (Berkman and Kawachi, 2000: pg. 132). Mental health problems emanate from stress and low self-esteem that comes from long periods of unemployment. Financial problems often result in anxiety and stress mostly because of already squandered savings or loans from different people. Some have also lost their property due to their financial inability to repay the loans, and relatives and friends whom they borrowed money and demand pay back direly. These are just some of the precipitating factors that usually lead to the development of health problems. Mental health issues arising from long-term unemployment are serious problems that affect many countries in the contemporary world and economy. The best way to solve for nations to solve the unemployment problems and problem associated with the same (Berkman and Kawachi, 2000: pg. 132) is for the governments and states to create annual means of employment to eradicate long periods of unemployment that are so devastating because people need finances to solve many of the economic and social problems in their daily lives. Method The research was conducted through qualitative study that involved interviewing of the targeted sample population that included persons who have been unemployed for very long periods. A convenience and effective representative sample was selected (Bell, 2005: pg. 76). Fifty- (50) unemployed sample population was identified and investigated for any mental health problem in relation to their unemployment status. The unemployed sample population was obtained through the job centres with sampling being done randomly. The research sample selected had an average age of 40 (n=10), covering ages between 18 and 64 years. Most of them had not been employed since their 18th birthday for almost a period of four years. Others reported having lost their jobs between 1-2 years and have not been able to secure other job opportunities (Beresford, 2003: pg. 123). Their levels of education ranged from 12th grade to college level with the majority between 12th grade and diploma (n=24). Few of them who were interviewed had baccalaureate and master’s degrees (n=12) and (n=4) respectively. It was also necessary to interview psychiatrists who dealt with patients with mental problems. These health practitioners were to help identify if indeed among those whom they dealt with were products of long-term unemployed. Twelve -12 psychiatrists and 04 psychologists were interview to determine the same effect. They were interviewed to determine the nature of the patients they dealt with, if at all there were victims of long-term unemployed (Becker, 1963; p. 88). Finally, 10 employed women with the same age range were interviewed. This last group was use as the control of the study in order to reduce chances of misdirected conclusions. Data Collection The unemployed sample population was interviewed individually for approximately 15 minutes per person in a setting of their own/choice, most especially in an area most preferably at the joints or café. Open-ended questions were employed to stimulate the stories of the unemployed as far as longer periods of joblessness were concerned (Boud et al, 1985: pg. 123). More specific questions were also asked in order to facilitate relevant and detailed information. Some of the questions that were used include: 1. What can you say about your situation given the fact that you have been going for months without any source of livelihood? 2. What are some of the challenges you have experienced so far since you lost your job? 3. How do you cope with stress and anxiety that you experience due to joblessness? Both the psychiatrists and psychologists were also interviewed for approximately 30 minutes in their offices or any place of their choice. They were also asked open-ended questions and provided with rigid questionnaires. Questions asked included: 1. Among the clients of mental health have you ever-experienced cases resulting from long-term employment. 2. Is there any difference between the womans situation and that of men? 3. What is the relationship between the mental health problems and the rate of unemployment? Results Most of the unemployed who were interviewed demonstrated certain distress levels. They elaborated how bad it feels to go for longer periods without securing any employment opportunity (Boud et al, 1985). Many women cited several cases that make them stressed because of long-term unemployment. They constantly experienced psychological torture when they realize they cannot afford most of the things they need in their lives including paying bills thereby forcing them to sell most of their properties to cater for some necessities and debts owed to both relatives and friends. Most of the long-term unemployed cited economic factors to have direct and heavier effects on them than personal factors. The country’s economic issue was cited as the major contributor to long-term unemployment (Bryman, 2012: pg. 145). Lack of enough job opportunities within their geographical areas, economic problems in certain industries, and taking off some of the important employment opportunities oversee hence limiting the chances for the locals to be employed re some factors that were mentioned by those who were interviewed. The cited factors among others were the main reasons that were cited for long-term unemployment. They also complained that the society has also not done enough to reduce the joblessness of women (Burgess, 1991: pg. 41). In order to establish how long-term unemployment had affected targets women, when asked about their physical health, they majorly used words like “poor”, and “fair” and many others that negatively definers. Psychologists who were interviewed differently emphasized that long-term employment was a contributing factor to the many cases of patients diagnosed with mental health problems. They identified the vulnerability of women to unemployment, most especially when such women had no one to support them and their needs. The psychiatrists observed that mental health problems were so much related to poor physical health of the women diagnosed with mental health problems. They noted that most of the women who had mental health problems due to long-term unemployment had a lot of anxiety and stress (Crang, and Cook, 2007: 221). Data Analysis The content analysis technique was used to analyse the data collected. Content was analysed with regard to the information provided by the long-term unemployed and both the psychiatrists and psychologists to determine the rate at which women were affected with long-term unemployment. A thematic analysis was also undertaken to determine the challenges of long-term unemployment posed to women (Hanley, 2005: pg. 10). After the analysis of the ten interviews, six from the unemployed and two from psychologist and another set of two interviews drawn from the observations of the psychiatrists, a common problem of the long-term unemployed women was established. Other studies were also adopted to help on a side-by-side comparison of the results in the process of re-contextualizing interpretations and implications of the studies. Direct quotations of both the mental health professional (Psychologists and psychiatrists) and those of the unemployed were used alongside a clear decision trail in the field notes and journals with elaborated salient points to ascertain the trustworthiness of the findings of the study. Some of the researchers undertook an in-depth discussion of the analytic decisions upon which the analysis was validated especially through sharing it with some of the participants (Matthews and Ross, 2010: pg. 153). One psychologist, one psychiatrist and two of the long-term unemployed women confirmed the practical and the empirical validity of the findings. Findings Characteristic of long-term Unemployment The study revealed that 3% of all the non-elderly persons are the most affected with long-term unemployment. They have not been able to secure employment for the last one-year and more, though many have been in such unemployed situations for a long time. About 54% of all unemployed women have been without a job for the last two years while 26% have been without a job for more than three years. Some of the unemployed women are in pre-retirement ages between 50 and 64 years of age, as compared to 35 per cent of full time workers (Matthews and Ross, 2010: pg. 153). On the level of education, only 11% of the long-term unemployed possessed college degree, as compared to full time workers who are 13% of those with college degrees. About 49 per cent of the unemployed women had high school or less education. Most of the unemployed 59 per cent admitted that the losses of their previous jobs were due to their employers’ decisions while only 11% admit voluntary resignation; leaving their previous jobs out of their own volition. Among them, 51% lost jobs in which they had been doing two years or less. Nearly 18 per cent agreed that they had been working for ten or more years in their jobs that they lost. It was also evident that the long-term unemployed women who had left their previous jobs were not well remunerated. With a majority earning learning less than USD 30, 000 annually but only 6% registered an annual earning of USD 75, 000 (Hanley, 2005: pg. 12). Majority of the Long-term Unemployed face a lot Financial Challenges The study found out that 31 per cent of long-term unemployed live at least with one full-time worker. Most of them point out that the one full-time worker is the income source that provides for the majority of the household requirements. The long-term unemployed women depend on the money from their husbands, which is if they are married or from friends and relative mostly if they are not married. They would need to source money from those responsible for them or friends in order to accomplish most of the necessities. When the long-term unemployed women were asked during interviews to evaluate their financial position, they cited being “broke”, “bad” and “poor”. The majority of the long-term unemployed admit taking money out of their savings or retirement money in order to pay bills. These comprise 59% of the long-term unemployed, 53% have been informed of property collection by collection agencies, 51% borrowed money from friends and relatives to pay bills. About 52 per cent sold their personal property, 47 % could not pay rent or mortgage in an easy way and 44% had food problems (Matthews and Ross, 2010: pg. 153). Nearly 33% were forced to alter the way they used to live initially after it became apparent they could not be able to pay their bills. Relatively 23 per cent increased credit card debt for the payment of bills. On the other hand, nearly 23 per cent saw their utilities while15 percentage postponed marriages while 9% per cent were evicted; hence, losing their homes. These financial stresses cause a lot of psychological and emotional distress leading to the development of mental health problems (Ritchie and Lewis, 2003: pg. 43). Reflective Evaluation: Many Long-term Unemployed Admit both Physical and Mental Health Averagely, 38% of the unemployed women reported issues with their physical lives. Some indicate the existence of no problem with regard to their long-term employment experiences, but the majority admitted having many psychological problems as they think of how they will offset the bills and take care of other expenses. The psychologists observed that longer periods of stress and anxiety makes one susceptible to developing mental health problems. Most of the interviewed indicated that their mental health were poor or only fair while 33 per cent likely admitted that their mental health grew worse due lack of employment. About 19 per cent acknowledge that their mental health has further worsened their attempts to look for other jobs (Matthews and Ross, 2010: pg. 153). Averagely, 65 per cent of the women who have not been employed for long periods and paid their own bills explain that they have trouble with sleeping. Additionally, they recorded loss of weight that was pegged on psychological torture. The 21 per cent of the target population admitted having sought the health or medical professionals or psychologists to help them deal with their mental problems. The other 10 per cent revealed that they are on medication taking prescriptions for mental health problems while 9 per cent said that due to their stresses, they have increased their consumption of drugs or alcohol thinking that they state help in dealing with stress levels. Due to long periods of unemployment, many people are often subjected uncomfortable and sufficient medication since they are unable to afford and it should be noted they cannot afford to pay for insurance covers. This then means that they cannot help mitigate the proliferating factors of mental health problems. Small mental issues grow and become serious if they cannot be well handled mostly at the primary stages. Therefore, the loss of job often uninsured and accessing medical services becomes extremely difficult when one cannot afford medical bills. About 73 per cent of long-term unemployed women admit that they delay treatment due to the high cost of the medication. They also admit that, in most cases, they rely on emergency services more than those who are in full time employment. Skipping or delaying of medical check-up is in itself is very dangerous and it often leads to the proliferation of many health issues. The long-term unemployed women experience both economic and social challenges in as far as employment is concerned (Ritchie and Lewis, 2003: pg. 43). Long-term unemployment is devastating to women, mostly those with a range of demands. As discussed above, people without real time employment lack the financial ability to access many of the necessities. For instance, they are not able to afford enough food, medication, and other important things in life. As a result, they begin to develop stress and anxiety as frustrations continue to amount. These two aspects are some of the factors that precipitate to the development of mental health problems. Due to lack of employment for a long time, the economic problems of a poorly performing economy affect negatively on the unemployed women. The economy exerts related intensive pressure often creates immense psychological problems. During the interview participant provided in detail the nature of their situation with regard to the economic status. They admitted that unemployment contributes in causing mental health problems. There are also previous studies that indicated that lack of employment after long periods creates a long list of problems. The December 2011 study by Kaiser Family Foundation/NPR found out that there are both physical and mental health concerns that emanate from long-term unemployment. In their survey they identified lack of money to access medical care as being one of the factors that precipitate the proliferation of mental health problems for women who have not been employed for a very long time (Matthews and Ross, 2010: pg. 153). Physicians, psychologists and other professionals contacted during this study identified that long-term unemployment creates a sense of insecurity, when one is not able to keep up with the bills. They noted stress and anxiety as factors that contribute to the development of mental health problems. Lack of money for medical check-ups on a regular basis increases chances of developing problems with the mental health especially in situations the same problem cannot be corrected in its early stage. Findings from this study illustrate that women are often vulnerable to mental illnesses when unemployed for a very long-time or due to loss of job. The economic forces are too heavy to bear thereby making the unemployed to fall short of offsetting their bills. Mental problems develop thereafter because the economic forces create in stress since one cannot be able cope up. Mental health problems usually develop slowly such that in the absence of regular medical check-up, serious mental problems emerge. It is only important that a country work towards achieving economic stability that creates jobs in order to alienate poverty (Crang, and Cook, 2007: pg. 221). Conclusion Unemployment causes a series of problems for women. A lot of anxiety and stress occur due to inability to afford most of the necessities. The unemployed women often begin to experience numerous psychological torture and problems. Therefore, it is vital they seek medical attention when the primary stages of these problems are suspected. On the contrary, due to unemployment one cannot afford such regular examinations; thus, medical institutions in conjunction with the relevant authorities must ensure that such people are offered affordable medical care and attention. The conditions continue to develop from bad to worse if they cannot be handled in their primary stages. The inability to pay for health care is a serious concern and may lead to devastating mental problems for this group. The best way to solve this health situation is by eliminating barriers to employment and employing many people to reduce the rate of unemployment so that everyone can take care of himself effectively and conveniently. List of References ALASUUTARI, P, BICKMAN, L. & BRANNEN, J. (edits) (2009). The SAGE handbook of social research methods BARBOUR, R. (2008). 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