WebMD Video: Unemployment and Depression

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Recognizing and Treating Depression

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Losing a Job and Depression

Losing a job can be every bit as emotionally devastating as a divorce or the death of a loved one.

Losing a Job and Depression

Reviewed By: Laura Martin,

SOURCES: Mark Gilson, PhD, co-author, Overcoming Depression: A Cognitive Therapy Approach; clinical psychologist; co-founder, Atlanta Center for Cognitive Therapy. Patrice Harris, MD, psychiatrist and director, Health for Fulton County, Georgia.

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Losing a Job and Depression

Patrice Harris, MD:

In varying degrees, all of us have some sense of who we are in the work that we do.

Narrator:

Just as having a successful career can enhance self-esteem and lend purpose to one's life, getting laid off can erode self worth, increase stress and darken one's disposition.

Mark Gilson, PhD:

I think most people deal with low mood periodically in their lives. We are seeing a lot of it now with the economy the way it is and with people suffering so much loss. That's one of the major percipients for depression is when we suffer loss.

Narrator:

Losing a job can be every bit as devastating as undergoing a divorce or suffering the death of a loved one. Such traumatic, life-altering events can promote feelings of anger, denial and deep sadness.

Narrator:

Here at the Office of Workforce Development in Fulton County Georgia, there's been an uptick in the number of people who use this jobs resource center. In a state where the unemployment rate topped 10 percent in 2009, the services here are as much about lifting spirits as they are about finding people work.

Houston Fain:

You can hit job search burnout. you have to know how to relax, eating correctly, exercising –all that plays a role in your mental health and your state of mind when you're seeking employment.

Kevin Ellis:

You just have to continue in your faith and keep pushing forward, because if not the stress will bog you down and you can get really depressed.

Narrator:

Kevin Ellis has been looking for work for over a year and a half, and in addition to coming here, has a strong support network of church and family to help him cope. But others aren't as fortunate.

Patrice Harris, MD:

Sometimes it's more than just losing a job. For some people, it's also about losing a sense of who they are.

Narrator:

Patrice Harris is a psychiatrist and heads up the Fulton County Health Department. She says there's been a noticeable increase in depression cases triggered by a recent job loss.

Patrice Harris, MD:

If a person has low energy or difficulty concentrating or problems with memory, certainly, it's difficult than attending to the process of finding employment, and it also may affect one's work if they do have a job.

Narrator:

Warning signs such as despondency, changes in diet, problems concentrating or sleeping can all be part of an unhealthy downward spiral that can follow an upsetting loss. When such hopelessness culminates with thoughts or talk of suicide, the situation becomes a medical emergency.

Narrator:

Getting help sooner rather than later is the key.

Mark Gilson:

A lot of therapy is about problem solving, and when a problem isn't solved, then it's about coping with the problem as it is right now.

Narrator:

The pain of profound loss may never be completely eliminated but successful treatment can help shift focus away from what is lost to what is left. For WebMD, I'm Damon Meharg.

Losing a Job and Depression

Chronic Illness and Depression

Depression Symptoms

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See Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning about antidepressants and risk of suicide, and Medication Guide.

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Safety Information and Boxed Warning | Prescribing Information | Medication Guide

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Recognizing and Treating Depression

This video is from the WebMD
Video Archive

Losing a Job and Depression

Losing a Job and Depression

For a better viewing experience you may wish to adjust the size and quality of your video stream:

Losing a Job and Depression

Fill out the form below to send this link to your friends. An email will be sent on your behalf.

Losing a Job and Depression

Patrice Harris, MD:

Narrator:

Mark Gilson, PhD:

Narrator:

Narrator:

Houston Fain:

Kevin Ellis:

Narrator:

Patrice Harris, MD:

Narrator:

Patrice Harris, MD:

Narrator:

Narrator:

Mark Gilson:

Narrator:

Depression: Key Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Important Safety Information About Cymbalta^®

The most important information you should know about Cymbalta:

Cymbalta may be associated with serious side effects. Call your healthcare provider right away or seek emergency help if you experience any of the following:

Cymbalta is not for everyone. Do not take Cymbalta if you:

Before taking Cymbalta, talk with your healthcare provider:

Most common side effects of Cymbalta (this is not a complete list):

Other safety information about Cymbalta:

How to take Cymbalta

From Our Sponsor

Find us on:

Recognizing and Treating Depression

This video is from the WebMDVideo Archive

Losing a Job and Depression

Losing a Job and Depression

For a better viewing experience you may wish to adjust the size and quality of your video stream:

Losing a Job and Depression

Fill out the form below to send this link to your friends. An email will be sent on your behalf.

Losing a Job and Depression

Patrice Harris, MD:

Narrator:

Mark Gilson, PhD:

Narrator:

Narrator:

Houston Fain:

Kevin Ellis:

Narrator:

Patrice Harris, MD:

Narrator:

Patrice Harris, MD:

Narrator:

Narrator:

Mark Gilson:

Narrator:

Depression: Key Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Important Safety Information About Cymbalta®

The most important information you should know about Cymbalta:

Cymbalta may be associated with serious side effects. Call your healthcare provider right away or seek emergency help if you experience any of the following:

Cymbalta is not for everyone. Do not take Cymbalta if you:

Before taking Cymbalta, talk with your healthcare provider:

Most common side effects of Cymbalta (this is not a complete list):

Other safety information about Cymbalta:

How to take Cymbalta

From Our Sponsor

Find us on:

This video is from the WebMD
Video Archive

Important Safety Information About Cymbalta^®