Fear of losing one's job or insecurity over the stability of one's career has been a looming constant for many employees in an uncertain job market. Job insecurity is not just a problem professionally but also affects a person's mental health and all-over well-being. The exacerbation of the problem over time can be seen due to increasing economic challenges, downsizing, and automation.

‍

Job insecurity can be a challenge in India, where cultural and familial responsibilities may overlap with professional tasks. Sustained anxiety by this brings about psychological effects that may escalate into several mental disorders, affecting the individual as well as his relationships and productivity at the workplace. Let's look further into the psychological effects of job insecurity, its various kinds, and what can be done to deal with it.

‍

‍

Understanding Job Insecurity and Its Psychological Impacts

Job insecurity is defined as the perceived threat or condition of losing one's job or sustained change in the conditions of employment. As such, it does evoke chronic stress, which seriously affects mental health for a long time. Although temporary job insecurity is normal, long-term job insecurity leads to anxiety disorders, depression, and burnout. Main Psychological Effects Explained in Simple Terms: 

‍

Anxiety and Stress

Constant preoccupation with the fear of losing your job creates a feeling of inescapable stress. Imagine living your life constantly on eggshells, not ever sure what the future holds. This kind of continuous tension often has physical consequences, such as headaches, upset stomachs, or difficulty sleeping.

‍

Depression

Job insecurity can make a person feel hopeless and becomes demotivated. For example, when someone is uncertain about the job, then he feels his purpose, which gives sadness or losing interest in anything that he was interested in.

‍

Burnout

When people work harder to gain confidence in a jerky job environment, they experience mental exhaustion and strain. It's like running a marathon without a finish line. Inevitably, exhaustion takes over.

‍

Low Self-Esteem

When a person feels that their job can be taken, he starts doubting his skills and worth. Eventually, his confidence is affected as it is not easy to work efficiently.

‍

Difficulty in Relationships

Job insecurity does not only affect the individual but also creates difficulties in his relationships with family and friends. He becomes short-tempered or gets isolated and remains disconnected from his family or friends.

‍

‍

These effects can be terribly overwhelming when one considers the other factors where job stability in India is often linked with family expectations and social status. Added pressure of being a provider or attaining certain milestones due to societal expectations comes into play.

‍

‍

Common Types of Psychological Disorders Related to Job Insecurity

Job insecurity doesn't have the same effect on everyone. The psychological effects vary depending on how people cope, their working environment, and support system. Here's a closer view of the common disorders related to increased job insecurity:

‍

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD is when you feel constant worry or fear that doesn’t go away. For example, someone worrying about their job might constantly think, “What if I lose my job? How will I pay my bills?” This endless loop of worrying can make it hard to focus on daily tasks or even relax. It’s like having a persistent feeling of dread that stops you from enjoying anything fully.

‍

Depression

When it comes to uncertainty related to your job, it does give one reason to feel sad and hopeless. Depression may make you feel you are not good or things will never get well. You may lose interest in things that used to excite you, stop going to see friends or family, and just want to be by yourself. It's not just a bad day-it's a lingering feeling of gloom that seems to be hard to shake out.

‍

Occupational Burnout

Burnout takes place when you work yourself up too much in work to prove your worth only to end up all drained out. It's as if running a marathon where there seems to be no end; you are physically tired and emotionally drained all the time. Overwork could leave you with no energy for anything else, like time spent with your family or even taking care of yourself.

‍

Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is the feeling that you are some kind of phony, even when you're doing well. For example, you might actually think, "I'm only still employed because no one has noticed how bad I really am at my job," while your performance is excellent. It is an ongoing fear of "being found out" to be undeserving, even when you have evidence to the contrary.

‍

Adjustment Disorder

Big changes at work can be very challenging for some, like experiencing a pay cut or a sudden change of job responsibility. But for others, adjustment disorder takes place when these big changes feel overwhelming and leave one feeling distress in the mind. It's just that life is speeding ahead at such an unbelievable pace that every simple day-to-day living activity becomes incredibly cumbersome.

‍

‍

Somatic Disorders

When tension about your job begins to surface in your body, that's somatic disorder. Perhaps you have headaches, stomach aches, or back pain, and there's no medical cause for the symptoms. Your body is saying, "I'm under too much pressure," when you may not realise it.

‍

‍

How to Overcome the Psychological Effects of Job Insecurity

Dealing with job insecurity can be overwhelming, but there are practical steps to reduce its impact on your mental health. Here are five simplified strategies to help you regain control and reduce stress:

‍

1. Acknowledge and Process Your Feelings

Try acknowledging that it is normal to feel anxiety or tension because of uncertainty, and then there are ways to understand what you feel by writing it down or discussing the situation with a trusted person. Acknowledge first the feelings that will lead you again into emotional clarity.

‍

2. Focus on What You Can Control

Focus your thoughts on activities you can control, not on things like company actions you may not have any power over. You might be learning new skills, bringing your resume current, or broadening your network. Taking such actions moves you into a place of greater readiness and confidence.

‍

3. Create a Balanced Routine

Build yourself a routine, which would help you interact with the physical world. Engage yourself in physical exercise, healthy food preparation, and relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or meditation. A structured routine lays stability and helps in building resilience for those untimely and unforeseen challenges.

‍

4. Seek Support from Professionals and Groups

Additionally, reach out to a therapist to discuss coping strategies that might be relevant to your situation. A therapist can help you manage anxiety, dislodge negative thoughts, and build confidence. Support groups also help you relate to others, which may make you feel less alone as well as learn from others sharing tips on how to cope with job insecurity.

‍

‍

5. Plan Your Finances and Practice Self-Compassion

Budgeting helps reduce financial stress by determining where savings can be made and creating a small emergency fund. Simultaneously, show self-compassion by being more gentle to yourself. Remember that job insecurity is not defining your worth. Cheer small victories and dwell on your strengths to keep you pumped up.

‍

‍

How Online Therapy Can Help

Online therapy offers a convenient and effective solution for individuals in India, especially those with busy schedules or who may feel hesitant about visiting a therapist in person. It provides personalised, flexible, and professional support to help you build resilience and manage stress effectively. Therapists can teach valuable coping skills, rebuild your confidence, and empower you to assert yourself while gaining emotional strength. Rocket Health India stands out as an ideal platform for addressing job insecurity-related mental health issues.

‍

With qualified professionals specialising in work-related stress, culturally sensitive approaches tailored to Indian-specific challenges like family expectations and societal pressures, flexible scheduling, affordable plans, and confidential support, Rocket Health India ensures you receive individualised care to regain balance and develop a healthier perspective.

‍

‍

Conclusion

Job insecurity is overwhelming, but it is not impossible. Once you understand its impact, identify the signs, and take concrete steps, you will regain control over your mental health and well-being. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Online therapy, particularly by Rocket Health India, can be of greater value to you in navigating your difficult time and building resilience for a better life in the future. Take that first step to mental wellness today.

‍

Book your online therapy session with Rocket Health India and start building a healthier, more balanced mindset.

‍

‍

References

American Psychological Association. (2020). Anxiety and stress management. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org

‍

Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Understanding the burnout experience: Recent research and its implications for psychiatry. World Psychiatry, 15(2), 103-111. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20311

‍

World Health Organization. (2021). Mental health and work: Impact, issues, and good practices. Retrieved from https://www.who.int

‍

Schaufeli, W. B., Leiter, M. P., & Maslach, C. (2009). Burnout: 35 years of research and practice. Career Development International, 14(3), 204–220. https://doi.org/10.1108/13620430910966406

‍

Sriram, S. (2022). Exploring the mental health effects of job insecurity in India. Indian Journal of Psychological Well-Being, 14(3), 98-112

‍

Mayo Clinic. (2020). Burnout symptoms and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org