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Summary: Repeated bouts of unemployment might increase heart attack risk very much.
Key Take Aways:
- Staying socially connected during periods of unemployment will likely be healthier than becoming socially isolated.
- Seeking support and fellowship could also result in getting interviews or a job.
Most of the articles posted on the Delivering Happiness at Work blog are about the employed, so this one will be an exception, mainly as a tribute to those who are or who have been unemployed during this challenging economic period.
Researchers from Duke University reported that chronic unemployment is linked to heart damage. Heart attack risk after losing a job was about 22% more than the risk for people who were still employed. After losing a job four times or more, that risk was raised to 63% compared to people that were still employed.
It isn't clear exactly what the cause of the increased risk of heart is or if there is only one cause. Stress is likely to play a role, as is loss of health insurance. When health insurance is no longer available, unemployed people who have health conditions may tend to neglect their health. Obviously they also have less money to spend on getting medical assistance when they need it. Preventive health may also suffer, meaning no longer getting regular dental check-ups or yearly medical examinations.
The impact of job losses on self-esteem and self-image can be related to depression and loneliness. When people are stuck in such mental states and moods they can be more prone to overeating, drinking alcohol to excess, smoking and isolating themselves.
Believe it or not, a different research study found chronic social isolation could be as damaging to the health as smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol daily. During a period of unemployment, maintaining at least a degree of consistent social interaction therefore would probably be very important for maintaining one's health. For example, churches sometimes have programs to help people find jobs, revise their resumes, keep them in presentable clothing and provide regular social interaction.
Socializing often happens at gyms, so an unemployed person could join group exercise classes for the interaction as well as the physical fitness. Volunteering may also be effective for the social interaction and to put something current on the resume. It can also be a boost because contributing value to a service organization can generate some happiness to combat anxiety and depression.
Image Credit: Public Domain
