Unemployment’s Impact on Men’s Mental Health and Identity

Unemployment significantly impacts men's mental health by triggering identity crises, depression, and anxiety rooted in societal expectations of financial provider roles, but evidence-based therapy helps men navigate these challenges and rebuild their sense of purpose and self-worth.

When your job disappears, does your identity disappear with it? Unemployment doesn't just threaten financial security—it can shake your entire sense of self and purpose, especially for men facing societal pressure to be providers.

How Does The Unemployment Rate Affect Men?

While everyone may experience the issues mentioned in this article, please note that as part of our initiative responding to the APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Boys and Men (2018), these articles will focus on how these topics affect men and boys. We use “men” to refer to people who identify as men.

Unemployment can affect everyone, but research shows that it can have some specific effects on men. Due to sociohistorical norms and trends, many men may feel internal and external pressures to be “breadwinners.” Despite these old norms, men do not have to be the breadwinners of their families to be valuable.

While unemployment can be mentally and financially challenging to everyone, men may be particularly affected by a lack of employment due to these traditional, but still common, norms.

To uncover the various effects of unemployment in men, this article will provide an overview of unemployment’s general effect on mental health before exploring specific ways that joblessness affects men’s mental health.

Unemployment and mental health

Unemployment tends to be more than simply an internal concern affecting individual well-being. It can also affect social well-being. For example, a couple may experience arguments about finances if one partner becomes unemployed.

Unemployment can have far-reaching negative effects on personal and interpersonal well-being. In a study conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has a high unemployment rate (43.2%), individuals experiencing unemployment were shown to have a much higher likelihood of depressive symptoms, greater levels of stress, and an increased mortality risk compared to those who are employed. The study concluded that the link between unemployment and increased mental health disorders often goes unrecognized in primary care settings.

In another study that analyzed the effects of unemployment following the Great Economic Recession in Spain (2007-2011), the authors stated that “unemployed workers are clearly in worse health than their employed counterparts. They are less self-confident, appear overwhelmed by their problems, and report markedly higher diagnosed disorders.”

This research affirms what many have theorized for some time: unemployment can negatively affect mental health in several ways.

How unemployment specifically affects men’s mental health

Unemployment tends to be higher among men than women and particularly high among Black men. As such, more men, particularly Black men, may face mental health challenges related to their employment status. A study of the impact of unemployment on men demonstrated that there was a much greater likelihood of symptoms such as depression and anxiety.

In one report carried out as part of The Huffington Post UK’s Building Modern Men campaign, men were found to be twice as likely as women to feel the financial burden in relationships. This may be because society has traditionally taught men to value emotional stoicism over vulnerability and told them that men should step up as leaders in crises.

While these traits can yield some positive outcomes, suppression of emotion and an overwhelming sense of responsibility can have significant effects on a man’s psyche. Approximately 14% of women feel they should bear more financial responsibility than their partner—this number jumps to 31% for men.

Below are some of the specific mental health challenges men often face during unemployment.

Identity crisis and loss of purpose

Since men are often socialized to believe that they should bear more responsibility for finances in relationships, losing employment can make many men experience a loss of their sense of value and identity.

Facing joblessness, many men may feel like they no longer have a purpose, which may lead to feelings of emptiness and uselessness, which can be common symptoms of depression. This sense of being “lost” can be particularly challenging for men who have strongly tied their self-worth to their professional achievements and provider role.

Heightened anxiety

In one study, unemployed men experienced significantly higher rates of anxiety than a parallel group of employed men.

While it is understandable that job loss would create or worsen concerns about finances, a sudden loss of one’s job or an extended period of unemployment can cause persistent anxiety that extends beyond normal worry. This anxiety may manifest as constant rumination about future prospects, difficulty sleeping, or physical symptoms like tension and restlessness.

Increased risk of depression

Research has shown a clear link between unemployment and higher rates of depression. The initial shock of losing a job can leave someone feeling upset and distressed, and over time, a sense of hopelessness may arise if there is difficulty finding a new source of employment. One survey found that people who were unemployed were twice as likely to seek treatment for depression than people who were employed.

For men specifically, depression during unemployment may be complicated by reluctance to acknowledge emotional struggles or seek help, due to traditional masculine norms that equate vulnerability with weakness.

Deep-seated insecurity

With the threat to their ability to be financially independent and support their partner/family, many men may experience a profound sense of low self-esteem when unemployed. The longer the period of unemployment, the worse the feelings of insecurity may be.

Having less disposable income often means less purchasing power, which may lead to spending less on clothing, personal hygiene, and relationships due to the cost of dating. All of this can be a significant detriment to a man’s sense of self and well-being, potentially affecting confidence in personal and professional interactions.

Addressing mental health concerns during unemployment

Sometimes it can help to seek support from a licensed clinical social worker during a period of unemployment. It may be challenging for some men to ask for help, but speaking with a professional may lead to significant growth and even a more successful job search.

If you’re experiencing unemployment and feel hesitant to see a therapist in office, you might consider online therapy through telehealth platforms like ReachLink. Research shows online therapy to be just as effective as in-person therapy. One study published in Cureus found online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to be effective for anxiety and depression.

With ReachLink, you can connect with a licensed clinical social worker who has experience helping people navigate unemployment and related mental health concerns. You can communicate with them from home or anywhere you have an internet connection via secure video sessions.

Strategies for maintaining mental wellness during unemployment

Beyond professional support, there are several strategies that can help men maintain mental wellness while navigating unemployment:

• Maintain a routine: Establishing a daily schedule can provide structure and purpose during unemployment.
• Set achievable goals: Breaking down the job search into smaller, manageable tasks can reduce feeling overwhelmed.
• Stay physically active: Regular exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Connect with others: Maintaining social relationships can combat isolation and provide emotional support.
• Develop new skills: Using unemployment as an opportunity for professional development can restore a sense of progress and purpose.
• Practice self-compassion: Recognizing that job loss is often due to factors beyond personal control can help reduce self-blame.

Takeaway

If you’re experiencing anxiety or stress related to unemployment, know that you are not alone. Research shows that unemployment can present significant challenges for men, but there is help available. With ReachLink, you can speak with a licensed clinical social worker who understands the unique challenges that can arise during a period of life stressors and transitions. By engaging with telehealth therapy, you may see significant improvement in any stress or anxiety you may be experiencing, and you may even find that it helps you find meaningful employment that suits your skill set. Taking the step to address your mental health needs during unemployment is not a sign of weakness, but rather a proactive approach to navigating a difficult life transition.