The Impact of the Economic Downturn on Women's Mental Health

Posted by Volunteer

"Unemployment todays stands at almost 10 percent. Nationwide, we face a mental health crisis as well as an economic crisis. There is no shame in seeking help to overcome unemployment or medical illness. For the sake of all our loved ones, it is important to recognize symptoms of depression and other mental illnesses."- Michael J. Fitzpatrick, M.S.W., Americans' Mental Health is Affected by Economic Downturn 

" For many individuals, the economic downturn has dramatically changed their circumstances in life, and the change has precipitated an onset or relapse of mental health or addiction challenges...Typically, individuals who have a vunerability to mental health and/or addiction issues experience a breakdown of coping when these issues are combined with significant external stressors."- Dr. Kim Franklin, The Impact of the Economy on Individuals with Mental Health and Addiction Challenges

"Women report a sharp increase in stress, anxiety, frustration, and other negative mental health indicators since the recession took hold last fall... most tend to prioritize family and other financial responsibilities ahead of their own needs- a tendency that can backfire despite the best of intentions."- Dr. Rick Nauert, Women's Mental Health Challenged by Recession