America faces a tragic increase in joblessness following the compulsory shutdown of businesses all over the country to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Although there are various mental health reports from the pandemic, experts are predicting it could produce more severe mental health consequences.
Within just two weeks, approximately 10 million Americans have already applied for unemployment, which has broken all records. Additionally, economists are predicting that the joblessness rate could increase as high as 30 percent as the epidemic extends across the country.
People severely affected are likely to be the poorest ones, including many those who profited least from the previous economic growth and those of different races.
Furthermore, A study by William Darity, a professor of economics at Duke University, found that black Americans without any history of mental health were at risk of anxiety, depression, PTSD during 2007 to 2009 Great Recession.
What Actions Are Underway to Lessen Joblessness?
To mitigate the consequences of the massive wave of joblessness, Congress has approved a $2.2 trillion incentive package to help Americans. The bill consists of a payment of up to $250bn to buffer unemployment insurance and $1,200 to most taxpayers. Also, those who qualify for unemployment for up to 3 months will receive $600.
A $1,200 governmental check and unemployment insurance benefits will allow Americans to pay their bills and address other needs temporarily. However, the effects cannot substitute the value of having a job.
But beyond these vast figures, economists are concerned about the long-term consequences that joblessness will trigger to Americans’ mental health. This problem can further highlight the gags in the country’s healthcare system and safety net.
Effects of Joblessness on Mental Health
The impact of joblessness on mental health are long-term. For instance, an Association for Psychological Science study published in September 2019 discovered that people who experienced financial job-related housing difficulties during the Great Recession were more likely to struggle with substance abuse, anxiety, and depression after about three years from the recession.
Also, a poll conducted in 2014 by Gallup discovered that unemployed Americans were more than twice likely to self-report receiving treatment for depression.
Though globally, there are communications concerning the unemployment mental health toll, America’s lack of affordable healthcare and weak safety net worsens the outcomes for unemployed citizens. Therefore, the economic and mental health crisis of coronavirus pandemic will only intensify by the sudden increase in joblessness.
Meanwhile, many Americans experience challenges in obtaining mental healthcare. Even though health insurance can balance therapy costs and access to a psychiatrist, Americans usually depend on health insurance from an employer and lose access if they are jobless.
Final Thoughts from the Recover
The only action we should take at the moment is to maintain safety by staying at home as much as possible. Meanwhile, scientists are working so hard to discover how to stop the coronavirus plague.
Hopefully, a fast solution will be eminent in the coming weeks. Therefore, Americans and other people globally will resume healthy lives. For those who are struggling with mental health issues due to joblessness, contact us, and we will follow up with you for quick addiction recovery treatment.
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