These are the kinds of situations that we, in this country, are more accustomed to hearing about existing in other places in the world, places usually far distant from us, either geographically or at least psychologically. People old enough to have lived through the Great Depression of the thirties will of course feel not-so-distant from current events. For the rest of us though, how are we effected now by what's going on all around us, even if we ourselves have not yet been directly affected in the most challenging ways?
One of the effects, for those who are sensitive enough, or self-aware enough to recognize it, is an experience of heightened grief. For others, even if they are not aware of it, there is, without doubt, a "subterranean" (ie., unconscious) exposure to more fear, more loss, and more grief.
Not being aware of this however usually means that these emotional experiences play themselves out in ways that might be unrecognizable as what they really are. For example, people will somaticize their fear or grief, so that they develop physical symptoms in place of clear emotional experiences. Or, some people will express a lot more anger, when what's actually happening on a deeper level is fear or grief, which goes unidentified and unacknowledged, as well as unresolved.
I'd like to encourage everyone to recognize the unusually intensified emotional and psychological stresses that we are all subject to in these times, and to be certain to find or create the best possible networks of support that they can.
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1 comment:
Stressful times indeed. Although I did not live during the depression, I have experienced 5 layoffs during my engineering/project management career, so I have that as a frame of reference. In my situation, this layoff is somewhat easier than the previous four. First of all, I am an empty nester now. We had kids at home during each of the previous four layoffs. That was extremely stressful. As a father I wanted so desperately to be able to provide for them. Now that it is just my wife and I, it is less stressful. We know we can downsize if necessary.
The second, and perhaps more important difference this time is that I am changing careers. It has been said that the definition of insanity is repeatedly doing the same thing and expecting a different result. My particular combination of education and work experience has resulted in jobs in industries that are somewhat cyclical (lack of job security). This has also resulted in a lack of job satisfaction. Not wanting to be accused of insanity (which would be entirely possible in my case ;-), I decided to take a different path during this unemployment. Hence a career change which requires a couple of years of graduate school. But I find that the challenge of school, and the excitement of a new career (for which I may be better suited) has significantly lessened the stress I feel during this unemployment.
The number and depth of commitments (i.e. financial responsibilities) one feels has a huge impact on the stress that is felt during unemployment. And hope for a brighter future is paramount in dealing with any stressful situation.
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