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.

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.

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.

But how exactly does it affect mental health? And how does the mental health of men in particular change in response to unemployment?

Unemployment effects on the mental health of men

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 a few of the effects that unemployment can have on mental health.

Feeling lost

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.

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.

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 anxiety and depression.

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.

Insecurity

With the threat to their ability to be financially independent and support their partner/family, many men may experience a sense of insecurity 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.

Combatting mental health concerns caused by unemployment

Sometimes it can help to seek support from a licensed counselor during a period of unemployment. It may be challenging for some men to ask for help, but speaking with a licensed counselor 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, which research shows 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 BetterHelp, you can be matched with a therapist 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 phone, live chat, or videoconferencing.