Unemployment is having a damaging effect on the mental health of young people. A poll carried out by YouGov for the U.K. charity the Prince's Trust found that among the 2,000 strong sample of 16-25 year-olds surveyed one in ten of those who had been out of work had turned to alcohol or drugs. Those not in education or training were twice as likely to feel down, depressed, isolated or rejected. 25% of unemployed youngsters believed that joblessness had caused arguments with their parents or other relatives and 15% said that their life lacked direction. The latest Government figures show that almost a million people aged between 16 and 25 are unemployed.
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8438789.stm
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2 comments:
It is so hard being the Mum of a 20 year old son, who is unemployed and depressed, but in denial. He acts like everything is ok. But I know it's a big act. It scares me to think about his future. His answer is to leave the country and work abroad, but I don't think it's really going to help his future.
Dear Lesley,
Yes it is very tough for younsters these days. I was in a similar situation when I left university in the last recession (1992). I guess you just have to keep plugging away but I think it is also a good idea to think about things like voluntary work - particularly in areas your son might be interested in - which (apart from being a good thing in itself) is also a good way of meeting people, making contacts and getting new skills. Hope everything works out OK for you anyway,
Best Wishes,
John Gale,
Mental Health Update
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