Your Mind Your Body

The ongoing recession has been tough on all Americans, but new data suggests men are especially being hit hard, both physically and psychologically. The unemployment rate for men is higher than for women, and men stay unemployed longer. Men account for 60 percent of the long-term unemployed, people who have been out of work for more than six months.

The typical long-term unemployed worker is a white man, ages 45-60, with a high school education and some college. This group is particularly hard hit because if they do end up getting a job after a long difficult search, it often means taking a substantial pay cut with fewer benefits for the family. The stress of not being able to provide for a family, among other issues, can contribute to physical and emotional difficulties for the man and his whole family.

“Charlie” (not his real name) is one of those men. He came into my office last year, encouraged by his wife of 35 years to make the visit. Charlie, 61, had worked his entire life for a parts manufacturer. Then he got laid off. 

Charlie thought he’d had done everything right. He always paid his bills and mortgage on time and saved money to send his kids to college. And then seemingly instantly, it was all gone. He would wonder why this happened to him and who was to blame? For two weeks he couldn’t eat nor sleep. Charlie, who never had been depressed before, was sitting in a psychologist’s office, profoundly ashamed and terrified.

Studies at Rutgers University found that a majority of recently unemployed workers feel traumatized and two-thirds reported feeling depressed. Job loss also affects physical health for men. One study found that men with senior-level positions were 50 percent more likely to die in the immediate aftermath of a layoff. Layoffs also lead to higher blood pressure in men.

That’s some tough and devastating news, especially for those who may feel like there is no end in sight to unemployment. But there are also some positive stories of resilience. We can learn some tips from those who are surviving in this new economy, like Charlie and his wife. 

You have to mourn the loss of your old job before you can go forward. It took Charlie several months to recognize he was never going to get another job quite like the one he had. Charlie stopped blaming himself and accepted where he was and what happened. His wife came to understand his sadness and did not push him or criticize.

Have a Plan B and C and even D. Consider a new field, relocating to a different area or even going back to school to upgrade your skills. There are often job retraining programs offered by the county or state that are free or at low cost. Charlie began taking part-time project assignments as an independent contractor.

You are NOT your job. Try to think of this time as an opportunity for new growth, rather than a defeat. Many men are starting a small business or are discovering they have some newfound skills. Charlie experienced a role reversal when his wife got two part-time jobs and he ended up being at home but he found out he actually liked cooking!

Don’t go it alone! Reach out to family and friends, join a group for laid-off workers, keep up your regular exercise and diet routine. It’s normal to be stressed at a time like this. And if you have been feeling really down in the dumps and can’t seem to function for two weeks or more, talk to your family physician. You might even benefit from some short-term counseling to help you get back on track.

Photos by Steve Rhodes (via flickr)

Filed under: Lifestyle & Behaviors, Resilience, Stress, Work/Life