The Vicious Cycle Between Poor Mental Health and Unemployment

A recent report by the BBC titled “mentally ill people hit hard by recession” argued that between 2006 and 2010 unemployment rates for people with mental health problems rose significantly.

The news item was reporting on a research study which sought to discover whether people with mental ill health are more likely to be discriminated against both in the job market and in society.  

The study which was carried out by researchers from King’s College London, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, looked at data on the rates of employment and mental health problems from 27 EU countries.

The researchers focused on data derived from 2006 (prior to the 2008 economic crisis) and 2010. From both years, a consistent pattern emerged that people with mental health problems were more likely to be unemployed. Interestingly however, the study found that by 2010 the gap in unemployment rates between people with and without mental health problems had increased.

The researchers proposed that people with a mental health condition suffered more by the economic recession of 2008, and will have been more vulnerable to discrimination and unemployment. Download the published report in the peer-reviewed open access medical journal PLOS One.

Taking a deeper look

The researchers used data from two surveys: The Eurobarometer Mental Wellbeing 2006 and the Eurobarometer Mental Health 2010 survey. 30,000 citizens from 27 EU countries took part in the survey and information was collected through face to face interview.

From the 2006 and 2010 surveys it was found that compared with the general population people with mental health problems were:

1.     More likely to be female

2.     Significantly older

3.     More likely to have finished education before 20 years of age or had no formal education

4.     More likely to be unemployed/retired and unable to work

5.     Less likely to be in paid employment

The study also revealed that although females were more likely to have a mental health problem, males were more likely than females to be unemployed. In 2010 22% of men with mental health problems were unemployed compared with 14% in 2006. For women these were 17% and 12% respectively.

Interestingly, the researchers also found that in 2010 (but not in 2006) people with mental health problems were more likely to be unemployed if they lived in countries where the majority of people agreed with the statement “people with mental health problems are a danger to others”.

The (vicious) cycle

People with mental health problems are less likely to be in employment. This can however perpetuate their condition by causing them to become further isolated and anxious about their financial circumstance.

During periods of economic hardship, this may become more apparent as people with mental health problems may be more susceptible to losing their job and are unable to find a new one in a competitive labour market.

Beth Murphy, head of information at mental health charity Mind, said the findings were worrying “Losing your job is a sudden change and there can also be financial implications through loss of income, which in itself can cause anxiety”

“Specifically redundancy is known to trigger depression and suicidal thoughts”.

Conclusion:

Undeniably, the research paints a very bleak picture of the reality of people who have poor mental health. Not only do they have to live with and tackle their own mental health condition, but their problems are further heightened by the fact that they are more likely to loose their job or be unemployed.

What we have to remember is that no one is exempt from experiencing a mental health problem - it can happen to anyone of us. Statistics reveal that at least one in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their life, therefore, it is essential that a) society does not stigmatise/discriminate against people with mental health conditions and b) that we learn techniques on how to protect ourselves and improve our mental health and wellbeing. 

It is imperative that Governments, Local Authorities and communities ensure that they promote social participation of individuals with mental health problems (particularly during recessions) and that efforts are made to target the most vulnerable people in society. Evidence reveals that participation in meaningful activity is associated with improved self esteem and good mental health. Having strong social relationships/networks can reduce isolation and help to improve mental health and recovery as well as preventing mental health problems.

We know that improved mental health and wellbeing is associated with a range of better outcomes, from physical health to higher education achievement. Thus in a strategic attempt to improve the whole population’s mental health and wellbeing the Five Ways to Wellbeing has been developed by nef (new economics foundation) which is a set of evidence based public health messages that can be utilised by everyone.

For more information on how you can get trained to improve and protect your mental health and the community you serve click here.

Let us know what simple things you do to help improve your mental health and wellbeing?