Unemployment: The psychological consequences

Unemployment is a sign of the times in Greece with huge consequences for a large number of people in Greek society and their families. A number of people face a deadlock with huge consequences. Unemployment however doesn't just strike at the social infrastructure or just harm people's wallets. Unemployment affects the internal lives of people, harming them both psychologically and physically.

Psychological consequences vary according to the age and gender of the unemployed person.

Young people, especially men, become angry and turn against the society. People of an older age feel disorientated and afraid. They view unemployment as a personal failure rather than a social ill.

The feelings of unemployed people are the same as those who feel loss and mourning. Generally, they feel:

* Fear and insecurity. The future looks glum and there's a sense of distress and pessimism.

* Stress. There may be psychosomatic illnesses. This is especially the case when the unemployed person has other people in their care.

* Anger.  There may be fits of rage. Society and family members may feel the rage of pent-up frustration that an unemployed person feels or they may turn against themselves and there rage may have a self-destructive character.

* Sorrow. Sadness may be so intense that the person may feel depression and frustration. Unfortunately, unemployment in Greece is starting to affect the suicide rate.

* Feelings of inadequacy. Unemployment affects the way someone sees themselves. Their self-image is struck and unemployed people may experience self-esteem issues.

* Shame. Realizing that society uses professions as a type of identification, the unemployed person may feel ashamed of being in such a situation. After all, one of...