A sharp rise in unemployment in the U.S. could be setting the stage for a serious mental health crisis. As of April 3, 2020, The Guardian noted that some experts predict a potential unemployment rate of up to 30%.
It is necessary to further note that the large majority of laid off workers will most likely consist of low-income people of color.
Mental health concerns similarly arose during the 2008 recession, during which studies found that a large number of African Americans with no prior history of mental illness were more likely to develop depression, and a slew of other mental health conditions.
Various research studies have confirmed the immense negative psychological effects imposed by loss of employment. When these effects happen in masses - as is currently occurring with the COVID-19 crisis - the impact to individuals and the collective nation can be devastation. It is also important to note that up to 28 million Americans completely lack health insurance.
Moreover, disparities within issues of labor and employment must be noted. Historically, African Americans have experienced unemployment rates twice as high as the national average. It then follows that certain demographics in the U.S. may experience a greater burden when it comes to mental health issues related to COVID-19 and unemployment.
Source:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/03/mental-health-coronavirus-mass-unemployment-us-experts
Read more at the link above.