The crippling return of long-term unemployment

If those who are unemployed now continue to go without a job for longer periods, more people will suffer from depression, anxiety and other psychological problems. (People queing for forms to apply for unemployment benefits in the US. - Filepic)

MORE than 10% of Americans say they have recently given serious consideration to suicide. Among younger adults, that figure rises to over one in four. Thirteen per cent of people have reported starting or increasing drug or alcohol use to cope with pandemic-related stress. Nearly one in three say they have symptoms of anxiety or depression.

These alarming statistics, based on a survey from late June, come from a report released this month by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and show that the nation’s mental health has significantly deteriorated during the pandemic.