The relationship between job loss and physical and mental illness

A number of studies in recent years have examined the relationship between economic trends and mental and physical health. This review focuses specifically on the impact of unemployment and job loss on employees and their families. The author cites studies by Brenner and others showing a strong association between unemployment and loss of self-esteem, increased suicide rates, state mental hospital admissions, state prison admissions, and increased incidence of physical illness. He concludes that unemployment has a profound impact on emotional and physical health, and that clinicians should begin now to apply the knowledge gained from these studies to patient care.