Jobs are a cure for depression

Opinion: October 15, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

By David A. LOVE

Progressive Media Project

Unemployment is a mental health issue, and we must address it.

Clinical depression affects nearly one in 10 Americans, according to a recent survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And unemployment is the biggest risk factor causing depression.

While 6 percent of people with jobs exhibit signs of depression, 21 percent of unemployed people have symptoms, the survey revealed.

Blacks, Hispanics

This may be why blacks and Hispanics and other people of color are more likely to become depressed than whites, since people of color have much higher unemployment rates.

Given the strong correlation between unemployment and depression, it stands to reason that tough economic times will only worsen this major health problem in America.

Although the official unemployment stands at 9.6 percent, the real rate is likely much higher, since official statistics do not include people who are underemployed or have given up all hopes of finding a job.

A record 20 million-plus were on unemployment at some time in 2009. What’s more, almost 7 million people were counted as long-term unemployed in June — 46 percent of the total — the worst since 1948.

Jobless toll

With five applicants for every job, and a loss of 10 million jobs in the United States, almost everyone knows someone who is jobless, and the toll that it is taking on them and their families.

If America wants to get serious about stemming the tide of depression and unemployment, we must get our priorities in order. That means more funding for mental health care, and a government commitment to creating jobs for everyone.

David A. Love is executive editor of BlackCommentator.com. He wrote this for Progressive Media Project, a source of liberal commentary on domestic and international issues; it is affiliated with The Progressive magazine. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune.