Unemployment: it's a killer

Unemployment in the UK has probably now passed the two million mark. It's not just a social or an economic concern but a major health issue that could affect anyone. Think about it before it happens, says Jim Pollard.

At about 6% of the working population, the UK unemployment rate is lower than many countries in Europe. But the headline figure disguises the underlying trend. 

Redundancies for the last quarter were the highest since comparable records began in 1995. And, when it comes to jobs for younger people, the picture here is bleaker than elsewhere in the EU. There were some 800,000 16-24 year olds unemployed in the UK at the end of 2008 - 16.1% of the age group (above the Euro area average of 15.9%.)

It's not easy to stay healthy when you're unemployed. The loss of confidence that inevitably results from losing your job and the sudden need not to get out of bed in the morning can be a toxic combination when it comes to both physical and mental health. Make no mistake about it, unemployment can kill.

A recent report in The Lancet estimated that the 56% rise in unemployment that followed the privatisation of pretty much everything after the collapse of the Soviet Union killed over a million working-age Russian men. One estimate from the USA suggests that each percentage point rise in unemployment leads to 6,000 deaths.

Of course, most people won't be killed by a job loss but all of them will be affected by it. How do you keep your period of unemployment as healthy as possible? The first thing is to be aware of the risks.

A job is about more than just money. It also gives you something to do everyday. This may sound trivial until you think of all the men who just waste away after retirement. If you have no reason to get up in the morning, you can easily stop bothering.

Work is what gives most men their identity. While some women might define themselves in relation to their family — I'm a mother of three — most men define themselves in relation to their work — I'm an electrician, I'm a poet, I'm a merchant banker.

As a result work gives men their direction — both short-term project goals and long-term ones related to promotion and pay rises. Both men and women have friends at work but for men they're more likely to be their best friends or even their only ones. Male social life is more likely to be built around work and the loss here can be profound.

It may be hard to believe that no longer being invited to the corporate golf day could break a heart but it can.

Unemployment may mean you need to work even harder on building friendships - a good use of that extra spare time you may now have.

If you lose your job, it is important to be aware of all this. Even if you think you're a pretty confident sort of guy, even if you're certain you'll find another job soon, these losses will effect you on a certain level. It's like a little death in the family. And even if you weren't close, a death in family always reminds you of your own mortality. Unemployment always reminds you that the world in general and the world of work in particular will carry on turning quite happily without you.

Watch out for boredom. The long drawn out days can be depressing and stressful. You've suddenly got all this time on your hands but, if your unemployed, you haven't got the money to enjoy it. Even if you've been given a decent redundancy payment, you're not going to want to blow it on a trip to Disneyland.

The inevitable low that comes from being told that you're not wanted any more can hang on and worsen. You can start thinking that you're a failure and your self-esteem in all areas of life — not just work — can take a hit. If you're younger you may feel you'll never work or even leave home. If you're older it may trigger a mid-life crisis or similar. Research based on the 1990s recession suggested than unemployment triples your suicide risk.

The feeling that you need to try harder in your job search or be a better person can be as stressful as anything the toughest job can throw at you.

When your mate says: 'I had no trouble getting a job, why can't you?' you're going to want to kill him but you're going to feel guilty too.

Money worries can add to the stress. Budgeting even if it was tight before will get tighter. Money is also something that helps you socialise — new clothes, a quick coffee, a night-out. All these things need to be reassessed.

Reduced socialisation equals increased loneliness. If work no longer gives you a reason to go out and be with people, you need to find a new one of your own. But make sure you choose a healthy one.

Unemployment can lead to increased drinking, smoking or drug use which is not a great idea in itself and will only worsen any money problems or depression you might be experiencing. It's easier to eat too much and, because you're counting the cash, this might well mean more junk food with the inevitable results for weight and health.

If you can, finding another sort of income can kill a lot of those unemployment vultures with one stone. It fills time, creates income (even if small) and builds up self-esteem again. Don't put yourself in a box. Just because you used to be a plumber or bank clerk or a driver doesn't mean you have to be again. A little market-stall, an internet business, handy-manning, dog walking, house-sitting, gardening, the list is as long as your imagination.

Having said all that about work. Don't forget the benefits you're entitled to. If you've paid tax and national insurance you have a right to a little help in return when you can't work. There are millions of pounds unclaimed in benefits every year. Make sure you check out your entitlement. Citizen's Advice can help.

Don't feel guilty about having fun.

Having fun is as important to keeping yourself healthy as food, drink, sleep, shelter, exercise and sex. Depression can lead to sexual problems which you won't want for many reasons - not least that because sex is (usually) a free source of entertainment and exercise.

There are a lot of other free things out there for people who aren't working. Forget the private gym and take up a new activity down the local authority one, check out a museum or gallery and whatever you do, get there under your own steam. Walking, cycling, skating, boarding are all free and great exercise.

• Follow the links in the article for more advice and information on malehealth.
• On the MHF's other website: the dangers to public health of a recession