Recession-related
depression is taking its toll in Dunedin, as an increasing
number of people seek psychological help to deal with
anxieties about financial insecurity, health professionals
say.
Men experienced this more than women, as the hopelessness
that came with the recession threatened their role of
responsibility in the household.
Clinical psychologist Chris Skellett estimated that since the
beginning of the the recession, about a quarter of the
average 18 referrals a week to Dunedin Psychology Associates
"could be directly attributed to the current economic
crisis".
"People are not coping with the change that is driven by the
economic conditions. There is a real bite to feeling
depressed during a recession," Mr Skellett said.
"Small to medium-sized" Dunedin firms were sending their
redundant former employees to counselling for about three
sessions, he said.
Most of those finding it difficult to cope with economic
uncertainty were men.
"In general, men's self image is more closely tied up with
work status and income levels, while women's is more around
family status."
Ashburn Clinic psychiatrist Brett Ferguson had also noticed
more men seeking help in dealing with psychological issues.
"Usually, it is women who present themselves to doctors, but
I've seen a few more businessmen over the past few weeks,
experiencing anxiety related to financial struggles."
Lifeline New Zealand national clinical manager Melanie Ingram
said the effects of the recession - job losses, house
repossessions and personal debt - were affecting the nation's
mental health.
Mental health issues were the topic of 34% of calls last
year.
Between January and April 30 this year, that percentage had
risen to 38% of calls received.
Financial instability threatened older men's identity, and
their identity was very important to them, Mrs Ingram said.
"Older males connect to what they do. Their identity is
caught up in it. There is a fear of what else they will do
[if they lose their job], as often it's all they know. Change
is scary when you're older."
Mrs Ingram expected the number of calls to Lifeline to
increase in proportion with the unemployment rate among New
Zealand workers.
"Research shows that a rise in the unemployment rate
translates to an increase in mental health concerns. That
constant stress you may lose your job makes people vulnerable
to depression and possibly suicide."
LifeLine Aotearoa general manager Anil Thapliyal said many
older New Zealand men were experiencing distress and even
contemplating suicide because of their financial concerns.
"Many of those experiencing an increased risk with depression
and suicide tend to be older males who are likely to be the
family breadwinner."
Depression Helpline manager Dylan Norton, who was also the
manager of youth helpline The Lowdown, said Depression
Helpline was receiving more calls from people who had lost
their jobs or who were stressed about the possibility of
unemployment.
More youths were also contacting The Lowdown because of
financial stress.
"Youths experience [recession-related depression], but to a
much lesser extent. It is more related to their family
members losing their jobs."
Support
> People can seek support by calling Lifeline on 0800
111-757 between 8am and midnight.
> People can also log on to www.depression.org.nz
- Cerisse Denhardt
