Seven Tips to Helping Someone who is Unemployed

Many of us will have family or friends who are going through a difficult time during a period of unemployment. In a review of the research on couples with one unemployed spouse, there was no direct correlation between unemployment and marital dissatisfaction (Barling, 1990). This seems counterintuitive, since we might think that unemployment would lead to greater conflicts in a marriage. However, unemployment can also lead to a recognition and appreciation for the support a marriage can bring and some marriages can actually get stronger.

How Can You Help?

1. Talk about it and validate it.

Many unemployed people feel ashamed of their situation.They often feel that other people look down on them, think of them as a burden, and don't want to hear what is going on. They may also feel, "you don't know what I am going through." As a friend of family member it is important to allow time and space for opening up. Suimply saying, "I know this is a rough time for you. I want you to know I am here. If you want to talk I am hear to listen. This is a time I can really be on your side."

For six more tips for turning unemployment into an opportunity to improve a marriage, stay tuned to the South Bay Wellnes Connection Blog, and check out www.stillwatergroup.net for help on other issues affecting families and friends.