- Unemployment is associated with high stress and low mental health
- Specifically, it increases the likelihood of anxiety and depression, which increases the length of unemployment


University of Virginia, Charlottesville

Many people with disabilities experience stress and low mental health at much higher rates than people without disabilities, especially as a result of unemployment. Research has turned to investigating how those might be combated so that people with disabilities can lower stress and improve mental health. 

Using Recreation Activities to Cope with Stress and Mental Health Associated with Unemployment

Kerr, J. L., Dattilo, J., & O'Sullivan, D. (2012). Use of recreation activities as positive coping with chronic stress and mental health outcomes associated with unemployment of people with disabilities. Work, 43(3), 279–292. https://doi.org/10.3233/wor-2012-1390

Use of Recreation Activities as Positive Coping with Chronic Stress and Mental Health Outcomes Associated with Unemployment of People with Disabilities Reference

Mental Health and Stress Risks

- Barriers can be personal (nature of disability, work history) or environmental (physical access to jobs and interviews)
- Additionally, stigma plays a large role in barriers to employment
- Those diagnosed with mental illness report higher micromanaging and low task complexity


Barriers to Employment


- Behavioral Activation (BA) is an approach used to better mental health, specifically in those with depression, by promoting activities an individual finds enjoyable
- This can include activities that encourage relaxation (such as breathing techniques and yoga), are culturally relevant, offer social support (activities done with others), and physical activity (such as cycling and walking) 
- BA is successful because it encourages action and lowers periods of passivity - a state of being many people with depression report 


Use of Recreation Activities to Cope

Unemployment, which occurs at much higher rates among disabled individuals due to societal stigma and discrimination, causes high stress levels in many people. This, in turn, lowers mental health and overall wellbeing, which affects the hiring process and so on and so forth. This positive feedback loop can be broken by engaging in recreational activities that are culturally pertinent, good for relaxing, and physically active. The resulting take down of obstacles can reduce unemployment stress and better mental health among disabled individuals. 


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