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."
> People can also log on to www.depression.org.nz [1]
- Cerisse Denhardt
Links:
[1] http://www.depression.org.nz