Unemployed Americans are four times more likely than those with jobs to report symptoms of severe mental illness, such as major depression, according to a new national survey that reveals the mental health toll of the recession.
The poll of 1,002 adults aged 18 and older also found that people with jobs who were forced to accept work changes, such as reduced hours or pay cuts, were twice as likely to have symptoms.
The findings were released to coincide with Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct. 4 to 10) and National Depression Screening Day (Oct.
. The survey was conducted last month for Mental Health America, the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Depression Is Real Coalition.
"This survey clearly shows that economic difficulties are placing the public's mental health at serious risk, and we need affirmative action to address these medical problems," David L. Shern, president and CEO of Mental Health America, said in a news release. "Individuals confronting these problems should seek help for their problems -- talk to their doctor, trusted friend or advisor or mental health professional."
"Unemployment today stands at almost 10 percent. Nationwide, we face a mental health crisis as well as an economic crisis," Michael J. Fitzpatrick, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, said in the news release. - Health News
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