The 2008 recession reshaped lives, impacting far more than finances. Research from the Journal of Mental Health (Antunes et al., 2019) in Portugal’s Lisbon Metropolitan Area reveals how socioeconomic struggles during a recession drive mental health challenges, which in turn deepen economic hardship. This blog explores these findings, offering practical strategies to thrive in tough times, with telehealth and EMDR therapy as vital support tools.
Recession and Mental Health Struggles
The 2008 recession in Portugal triggered unemployment, salary cuts, and austerity measures that limited welfare access. The study shows how these pressures—job loss, precarious work, and financial hardship—sparked depression, anxiety, and irritability. Struggling to afford essentials like food or medicine intensified mental distress, trapping individuals in a cycle where economic strain fueled poor mental health.
“It is because of this that people are more and more depressed, sad, cheerless. It is a struggle, despair every day…” – Study participant, 46-year-old woman.
This bidirectional link underscores the need for robust mental health support during a recession to break this cycle.
Recession Family and Community Impact
Economic hardship strained families, with the study highlighting increased conflicts and weakened relationships due to financial stress. Notably, young adults returned to their parents’ homes after losing jobs, adding emotional and financial burdens. Retirees, especially, faced stress from supporting unemployed children, showing how a recession disrupts entire support systems across generations.
Mental Health’s Socioeconomic Toll
Mental health challenges during the recession worsened economic struggles. Participants faced disability, absenteeism, and early retirement, leading to income loss from pension cuts and restricted welfare. Low-income workers, already vulnerable, were hit hardest, caught in a cycle of disability and poverty. This “health selection” effect—where mental health issues exacerbate economic hardship—widened inequalities, demanding targeted policy solutions.
Resilience Strategies for Future Recessions
Modern mental health care offers hope amid economic turmoil. Telehealth delivers accessible, affordable therapy from home, while EMDR therapy helps process trauma and anxiety linked to financial stress. The study calls for inter-sectoral policies—integrating healthcare, employment, and family support—to safeguard mental health. By removing barriers to work and welfare, communities can build resilience for future recessions.
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In case of a mental health emergency, please call 911 or seek immediate professional help.
Source:
Antunes, A., Frasquilho, D., Zózimo, J. R., Silva, M., Cardoso, G., Ferrão, J., & Caldas-de-Almeida, J. M. (2019). Exploring socioeconomic and mental health trajectories during times of economic recession: A qualitative study with primary health care users and professionals. Journal of Mental Health. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2019.1581343