L is for Loser by DRP
In our last post we highlighted shock and anger, just a bit. Of course, there is so much more to this. You may need to work through these stages with a counselor or someone you trust to listen, and not judge.
We will look at denial and depression this time. Denial is sometimes, made fun of. Sometimes, it is judged by those who really do not understand the situation or have never experienced the unexpected loss of their job or career.
Denial is that stage of nonacceptance or unbelief. This could be a part of the shock coming out, as well. Denial could be seen in some that will try to explain it away or pretend it did not happen or not be honest about it or its impact on the one who lost the job. It is hard to admit especially when others on depending on you to bring in the income to pay the bills, feed the family or buy clothes.
It is even harder to admit to it when the person was fired. Not only does the pay check stop, but so does the sense of being “good enough”. What happens to a person’s value when this happens? It is shot, in many cases. Often times, men ask themselves if their spouse will stay with them if they can not support them and their children.
Husbands and fathers that have lost their sense of productivity and value. This leads into the stage of depression. Here in Florida, the suicide rate is sky rocketing as it is in many cities. Many families are being touched. It has devastated many! Many of these suicides reported have been men.
Depression can be situational or clinical/chronic. Some who are depressed have a serious lack of neurological/ chemical imbalance. This could mean the only way out is an antidepressant. There are some very good organic/natural medications as well as, antidepressants that your doctor could prescribe. The natural ones such as St. John’s Wartz are found in stores like GNC, or Design for Health. Tyrosine is a great way to help moods and it seems to work similarly to the antidepressants that are on the market.
These are all ideas for you to discuss with your family physician or psychiatrist. Please keep in mind that all meds affect each person’s chemistry differently and so each person needs to be sure they are doing what is right according to your physicians, your body chemistry and only you yourself, can make the final decisions on your own health.
Do your homework. All meds also have side affects that you need to be aware of. Medication usually works best if you are accompanying it with talk therapy. Sometimes changing ineffective or unhealthy behaviors must happen in order to feel better and be productive in healing and finding new positions in the work force. A good counselor or friend can help one process through these types of situations.
Denial and depression are the stages most evident in a person’s thought processing and actions. If you know someone in these stages, be a good listener. If you feel like suicide is an issue, then do not ignore it. Take it seriously and report it to a hot line, counselor, police or family member, at the very least.
Patrick Morley discusses how important it is to remember that if either you or a friend/family member is going through one of these stages, no major decisions should be made until there is some time to get over the reactionary, emotional stuff one goes through in these times of trouble, in his book, How to Survive the Economic Meltdown
Disclaimer: This blog post is not to be a substitute for professional help or advice. Please consider seeking out professional help if you consider yourself to be at risk for any mental health related issues.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. For information regarding medication please contact your physician or psychiatrist.
