How a Government Shutdown Impacts Mental Health

The government shutdown started Oct. 1, 2013 and ended on Oct. 16. Over two weeks, the financial and mental stability of many people was tested.

Some Americans lost their jobs temporarily, whereas others were merely inconvenienced by not being able to visit the Grand Canyon. And from a mental health perspective, we all may have suffered, even if it was just experiencing disappointment with our government.

Government shutdowns cut funding for mental health services and for science research, which both directly affect people with already severe mental health issues.

Mental health professionals share further how a short-term and long-term government shutdown can affect mental health.

Jennifer Howard, a licensed psychotherapist, said in an email that the level of disruption someone has experienced from the government shutdown will depend on how deeply it affects their mental health.

People could be experiencing stress, worry, anxiety, fear and anger, she said.

“Other potential reactions include shutting down emotionally, and avoiding thinking about or acknowledging what's happening,” Howard said.

Reactions to the shutdown also depend on prior experience with life stressors and tools people use to cope with stress in general.

“Some people are able to experience the shutdown with greater equilibrium by doing psychological or spiritual practices that help them stay present to their inner thoughts and feelings as they watch what's happening,” she said. “These practices might also help them process any difficult emotions that may arise.”

Although a crisis was averted last night, we might not have been so lucky and the shutdown could have become a long-term situation.

“If someone does continue to experience difficult thoughts and feelings that seem to be brought on by the shutdown, it might be helpful to see what could be coming up from their history and childhood,” Howard said.

“For example, if someone had a father that was always losing their job, this might bring up those old insecure feelings that the rug will be pulled at any moment.”

Here are some ways Howard suggests to cope with any future government shutdowns:

1) “If your life is being deeply impacted by the shutdown, begin by being kind to yourself. You're doing the best you can under very difficult and stressful circumstances. Know that at some point this will come to an end.”

2) “Use this situation to become more conscious of your thoughts and feelings, of your inner life, because stress is a product of your inner response to what's happening in your life or in the world.”

3) “Do whatever psychological or spiritual practice that helps you process the difficult or painful emotions that may be arising. It's also helpful to do any stress-relief techniques that appeal to you, such as meditation, going for a walk, or doing something creative.”

Ramani Durvasula, a licensed clinical psychologist, said in an email that government shutdowns would have psychological effects mainly on people going to mental health clinics that receive federal funding, and federal employees who are laid off.

“Obviously those who are federal employees and are not working may be experiencing stress and then related psychiatric symptoms over not getting paid, and being unsure of when they can resume their routines and financial security again,” Durvasula said.

“This can really be a risk factor for someone who struggles with stress-induced psychological and psychiatric reactions.”

Women might have been hit even harder than men by the shutdown.

“Women who are unemployed may also have a greater likelihood of having caregiver burdens ... so if they are impacted by the furloughs, etc., they may ... not only be dealing with the real financial risks but the impacts this has on their children and other people for whom they are responsible,” Durvasula said.

A long-term government shutdown can deplete resources and not allow families to buy medication and therapy they might need for mental health issues, she said.

“The largest issue is the sense of ‘being out of control’ ... can have strong impacts on how a person manages ongoing psychiatric illness, stress and health,” Durvasula said.

She suggested that should there be another shutdown in the future, people should talk to others in the same situation and try to work together to create coping strategies. It is possible to save money in groups by planning potlucks, etc.

“Staying busy is also useful,” she said. “The loss of routine from not being able to work can be a challenge.”

“And for everyone in general, a sense of uncertainty in their government can be anxiety producing,” Durvasula added. “Staying busy is often one of the best tools we have to stave off such worry.”

Sources:

Howard, Jennifer. Email interview. October 16, 2013.
http://www.drjenniferhoward.com

Fisher, Nicole. Forbes. Mental Health Loses Funding As Government Continues Shutdown. Web. October 17, 2013.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/theapothecary/2013/10/10/mental-health-loses-funding-as-government-continues-shutdown

Jackson, David. USA Today. Obama team: Shutdown cripples research. Web. October 17, 2013.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/theoval/2013/10/13/obama-mcdonough-government-shutdown-government-research/2975403

Durvasula, Ramani. Email interview. October 15, 2013.
http://www.doctor-ramani.com/index/about

Reviewed October 17, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

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• Mental Health
• Emotional Health
• Political Issues