We need 'to love, and to work'

Hard Times:SIGMUND FREUD, the father of psychoanalysis, was once asked the secret of a healthy, happy life. He answered: "To love, and to work."

As a psychotherapist and specialist in bereavement counselling, Judy Matthews points out, while the central importance of loving relationships in one’s life is well understood, the importance of work and the loss of it is less recognised.

“In a very real sense, we are what we do,” she says. “The average person spends about eight hours a day at work – more than any other waking activity. There is a real sense in which your job defines you, gives you a sense of identity.”

Apart from this, of course, it also provides financial stability, a sense of direction in life and a reason to get up in the morning. It is a social outlet, a place where friendships are made and maintained, and even where life partners are found.

“Work provides a structure, re-inforces our sense of self- confidence and self-esteem and provides recognition for achievement and a job well done,” continues Matthews. Little wonder then that she likens the loss of one’s job to a bereavement.

“There will be feelings of shock, disbelief and anger.”

She says that if these feelings, akin to a grief, are not dealt with healthily, the impact can be destructive, particularly when combined with financial stress. This can be fatal for relationships and for the person’s own health.

From an industrial relations point of view Paul Bell, organiser of the Health Services branch of Siptu, says the current climate has given rise to a huge amount of anxiety, even among those in work, and this is coming back to him with people seeking reassurance.

He says he sees some of the greatest suffering and anxiety among women, particularly single mothers.

“We would see a lot of that in catering staff, among those in jobs that might be targeted with outsourcing. What I can say to them is that every single job will be fought for. I will never say I accept that workers have to pay for the economic downturn with their jobs. People want to hold what they have at the moment.”

The Samaritans has published research showing the immense mental and emotional strain people are under during a recession. Joe Ferns, deputy director of Service Support with the organisation, says there is a “clear increase in risk of suicide” during a downturn.

He says people are generally unprepared for how badly they will be psychologically shaken upon losing their job.

Judy Matthews advises that, as with any loss, a person should give themselves time to mourn – but “not too much!”

It is very important, she says, that job loss not be seen as a personal failure.

“People should see they are a casualty of awful circumstance but they are still the same person with the same skills and qualities.”

Though it will not address the financial implications, she says it is important another activity is found to “replace” the routine of work, and the mental activity, social interaction and sense of achievement it provides.

It is important, she believes, that this period is used to challenge the capitalist, neo-liberal ethos that has seen as most important how much a person earns, or what job they have.

“I think those empty, materialistic values have to be challenged.

“This can be an opportunity to value and learn new skills, to be a good family person, or community worker.”