Economic downturns don’t just strain wallets—they take a toll on mental health. The 2008 recession, one of the most significant financial crises in recent history, offers valuable insights into how economic instability impacts cognitive well-being. A study conducted in Spain examined the effects of this recession, revealing surprising trends and important lessons about the psychological consequences of financial hardship.
Key Findings from the Study
Researchers analyzed data from two national health surveys conducted in 2006 and 2011, involving nearly 50,000 participants. They focused on the economically active population aged 16 to 64. The study revealed a complex relationship between economic stressors and health, with notable differences between men and women.
One striking finding was the increase in poor mental health (measured by the GHQ+ scale) among men after the recession. Rising unemployment and falling income levels contributed to this trend. Interestingly, while men experienced fewer physical health issues, their mental health declined. For women, however, the prevalence of poor mental health decreased during the same period, a trend not directly tied to socioeconomic changes or physical health improvements.
Why Did Men and Women Experience Different Outcomes?
The recession’s impact on mental states appeared gendered. For men, job loss and reduced income significantly increased the risk of poor mental health, even as their physical health improved. This may reflect societal expectations around male breadwinners and the psychological toll of unemployment. For women, itimproved slightly, possibly due to shifting roles or coping mechanisms not captured in the study.
Implications for Mental Health Care
These findings highlight the need to address mental state during economic crises. While physical health improvements are beneficial, they don’t always translate to better cognitive well-being, especially for men facing unemployment and financial strain. Mental health professionals must remain vigilant during economic downturns, offering targeted support to those most vulnerable.
Telehealth and EMDR Therapy: Modern Solutions for Mental Health
In today’s digital age, telehealth has made mental healthcare care more accessible. It allows individuals to seek help from home, which is especially valuable during economic crises when financial constraints or stigma might prevent in-person care.
Therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can also help. EMDR is effective for processing trauma and stress related to economic hardship, offering relief for those struggling with the psychological aftermath of financial instability.
Key Takeaways
- Economic recessions can profoundly impact this aspect of health, with gendered effects.
- Men face higher risks of poor mental health during financial crises due to unemployment and income loss.
- Women’s mental state trends during recessions are less clear and require further research.
- Telehealth and evidence-based therapies like EMDR provide critical support during challenging times.
Conclusion
The 2008 recession in Spain underscores the intricate link between economic stability and mental stability. By understanding these dynamics, mental health professionals can better tailor interventions to support those most affected by financial crises. Whether through telehealth, EMDR, or other therapeutic approaches, the goal remains the same: to provide compassionate, effective care for all.
Dr. Sara C is a top-rated therapist specializing in EMDR, CBT, and DBT therapies. Serving clients across Newport Beach, CA; Beverly Hills, CA; San Diego, CA; Portland, OR; Jacksonville, OR; Dallas, TX; and Houston, TX, she is dedicated to providing the best telehealth therapy in California, Texas, and Oregon.
In case of a mental health emergency, please call 911 or seek immediate professional help.
Source:
Moncho, J., Pereyra-Zamora, P., Tamayo-Fonseca, N., Giron, M., Gómez-Beneyto, M., & Nolasco, A. (2018). Is recession bad for your mental health? The answer could be complex: evidence from the 2008 crisis in Spain. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-018-0538-2