The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic around the world caused millions of employees lost their job or got laid off. This sudden loss of work can make them mentally disturbed and potentially cause problems on their Mental Health. Let’s learn about mental health of employees who are affected by layoffs due to COVID-19 pandemic on the review below.

Explaining the mental state of employees who were laid off due to COVID-19

The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic affected many sectors, including the business and economic sectors. Many businesses choose to temporarily close their operations.

This makes their businesses lose money and eventually forced to lay off employees without being paid or even to do layoffs.

Sudden layoffs because COVID-19 presents its own financial and psychological challenges. Especially for those who rely on salary as their only income.

Not to mention thoughts about debt repayments, credit cards, and other financial obligations that are borne every month. Some are at risk of losing their homes, being evicted from rented houses. Many financial reasons are worrying.

Studies show that people who suffer financial difficulties, lose their homes, or lose their jobs are more vulnerable to mental health and physical health problems.

Among other things, it increases the risk of anxiety disorders, depression, the use of anti-depressants, increased somatic symptoms such as fatigue or headaches.

The financial problems of the families of employees who have been laid off can also spread to household problems.

Couples may blame each other, because they are not good at saving expenses, because they do not immediately seek alternative income, or blame each other for not anticipating this situation beforehand.

Employees got laid off due to COVID-19: The impacts on their emotional problems

Being hit by a sudden layoff especially because COVID-19 involves many changes at once. Apart from loss of income, job loss is also accompanied by other large losses.

Psychologists note that the loss of a job is often the same as the sadness of a broken heart due to the loss of a loved one.

The emotional trajectory of mental health when losing this job can range from stages of sadness that start from shock and rejection to anger, acceptance and hope.

Dawn Norris, a psychologist who focuses on issues of self-identity, said that the loss of a job, especially in employees who were laid off, could also be felt as a loss of identity.

He explained, most people’s lives were driven by money, profits, and income power. This makes the profession as a main part of how to identify someone.

“So, if you lose your job, you can easily lose your identity too,” explained Norris who is also the author of the book Author Job, Identity, and Mental Health.

Although it is true that money is often a major problem as long as someone becomes unemployed. But for some people, the problem of identity is even more disappointing than their problem with money.

In his research focusing on middle class people who lost their jobs, Norris found two-thirds of them experienced psychological problems related to identity.

“They say that their problems with identity make them feel depressed, anxious, and angry,” Norris said.

The study explains emotional problems that occur in employees who are laid off suddenly, especially during COVID-19.

Maintain your mental health when exposed to layoffs

There are many things you can do to control the situation, maintain enthusiasm, and find new goals.

New York psychologist, Adam Benson says people must recognize the factors of their situation that they can and cannot control.

After recognizing, then focus on things that can be controlled, namely identifying problems, such as reducing household expenditure in a certain period.

What is different about layoffs and in the current COVID-19 pandemic situation is the belief that this is only a temporary situation. Believe that after the pandemic ends, all will be controlled and they can rise again

In addition, there is evidence that the collective nature of this experience brings one to the feeling that he and others go through this problem together.

Many groups organize campaigns and fundraisers to support employees who have been laid off or who have lost their jobs.

This collective circumstance, according to Benson, might help that being subject to layoffs received by employees is not his fault as an individual.

“This supports the idea that when their mental health is shaken, they feel sad and angry about losing their jobs, this reason can reduce the feeling of sadness,” Benson said.

Also read: Stress Due To Losing A JOB? – Overcome It by Doing These 7 Steps

Three strategies you can do to survive after losing a job due to Covid-19

Covid-19 which continues to plague makes many companies in the world face severe conditions. Likewise with large companies affected, many do layoffs against their employees. If you are one of the many workers who lost their jobs, there are three ways you can do to deal with this uncertain condition.

1. Talk to creditors

If you have trouble paying bills try to discuss with creditors. Because, many creditors offer special programs for people who are experiencing economic difficulties at this time.

Banks or other lending institutions may be willing to work with you when discussing this situation. They also have a program offer that can help you based on your case.

2. Find out local non-profit organizations

Non-profit organizations are very important. Like in America, we have many non-profit organizations that help provide food for families and other groups in need. Likewise with you, find out as much detail as possible about non-profit organizations that may have humanitarian programs.

3. Get the latest information about regulations from the government

In the midst of this novel coronavirus, the government has specific regulations and policies. Therefore, it is necessary for you to know about the regulations or policies made by the government in your country. For example, the U.S. Department of Labor has introduced a new guidance for unemployment insurance flexibility during this outbreak. Find out what alternatives you may have, see if your government has some new policies towards unemployment.

I am sorry if you are losing your job due to this pandemic, but you have to know that you are not alone and there are helps out there and we just have to stay strong and be active in looking for new opportunities.

You are a capable and persevering person, so I am confident that you will be successful.

Hope this article is useful to you.

Stay safe, happy and healthy!

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.