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Red Bluff Daily News Tuesday, October 18, 2011 Page 15 Dealing with unemployment-related depression Unemployment comes with a host of unwanted side effects. Among the more obvious are financial concerns and lifestyle changes that reflect a loss of income, such as dining at home instead of nights on the town, or cutting back on certain luxuries. One of the lesser discussed but potentially harmful side effects of unem- ployment is depression. Several studies have indicated a link between poverty and social isolation and depression. When unemployed for long periods of time -- a reality for many workers in a job market the Center for Economic Policy and Research considers the worst since the Great Depression -- the resulting isolation from colleagues and friends coupled with a loss of income can be enough to trigger depression. To the millions of workers across the globe who are unemployed and dealing with depression, the simplest solution might be finding a job. But that's no small task, and men and women must find additional ways to cope with depression as they continue to look for work. * Establish a schedule. Even if there's no longer an office to drive to each morning, unemployed men and women should maintain a schedule. When look- ing for work, do so during set hours each weekday. Set aside the hours between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. that are devoted specifically to finding a job. Continue a schedule that mimics the one you had while you were working. This schedule should include getting up and showering each morning. This allows you to maintain contact with old colleagues and stick to the same social schedule you followed while employed. * Volunteer. When dealing with the daily grind, many people lament that life goes so fast they don't have time to do things like volunteer in their community. Now that time is on your side, make the most of it and volunteer, whether it's coaching youth sports or helping out at a nearby hospital. Spending time posi- tively and making an impact on others' lives is a great way to lift your own spir- its. Another way unemployed men and women can volunteer is within their own industries. If you were laid off but still have a passion for your work, volunteer your time. This is a great way to stay in touch with the industry and make new contacts who might be able to help you find a new job. * Take a break. Finding a job in today's market is essentially a full-time job. While it's important to be diligent in a job search, it's just as important to take a break. Rest on weekends and spend time with friends and family just like you would if you were still employed. Doing so helps recharge the batteries and can help fight off feelings of isolation that may or may not exist. * Eat right and exercise. Maintaining or adopting a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle that includes daily exercise can be effective at combating depression. Daily exercise enhances mood in a pos- itive way, and while no specific foods have been clinically proven to ease symptoms of depression, some foods support wellness, repair and growth. A Spanish study that examined nearly 10,000 men and women found that rates of depression increased in men as their folate intake decreased. Folate is a vitamin of the B complex found in leafy green vegetables. The same study found that women whose B12 intake decreased were also more prone to depression. Many men and women may use their hectic schedules as an excuse to eat a poor diet and avoid daily exercise. Unemployed men and women can use this respite from the daily grind to adopt a healthier lifestyle, one that can even help combat depression that might result from unemployment. One thing men and women must also remember when dealing with depres- sion that might have resulted from unemployment is they are not alone. With millions of professionals currently out of work, support groups have formed to help men and women combat depression and better cope with the side effects of unemployment. COMPASSIONATE HEALTH CENTER AND RIO SKIN & BODY WORKS Top Female Earners The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that men are still earning about 20 percent more than women in a variety of different indus- tries. But many women are closing the gap. There are certain jobs that are more lucrative for women than others. The U.S. Department of Labor says the job world favors women with a slim majority (51 percent) as holding high-paying management and pro- fessional jobs. Those women who must be the primary bread-winners in the household can look to these careers to be top earners, courtesy of Forbes. * Chief executive officer * Pharmacist: * Lawyers * Physicians/Surgeons * Computer programmer * Occupational therapists Our mission is to offer a complimentary form of healthcare to families who want a natural approach to optimum health. We strive to help patients recognize the benefits of spinal health, stress relief and balancing the mind, body and spirit through chiropractic, massage therapy, skin care treatments and acupuncture. Strawberry Weber DC, Janette Votaw Lac, Jessica Metcalf - Clemons Debbie Gamble, Esthetician Michelle Dunn CMT, Deana Owens CMT and Kristal Weston CMT all work together as a team to meet the individual needs of their clients. The businesses are located at 658 and 656 Washington Street in Red Bluff: Compassionate Health Center 527-0263 www.strawberryweberchiro.com Healing Center 528-2038 www.chicohealingcenter.com Rio Skin & Body Works 527-7762 www.rioskinandbodyworks.com