Depresh Mode with John Moe Unemployment Hurts Mental Health, Horror Movies Might Help It. Really!
Dec 8, 2025
Christina Caron, a New York Times mental health reporter, discusses the profound impact of long-term unemployment on mental health, including its links to depression and anxiety. She offers insights on reframing job loss and building a support network. Joining her is Terri Rivera, co-owner of the Horror Bodega, who shares how horror movies can be surprisingly therapeutic. Her creative support groups use film clips to help participants externalize feelings and normalize emotional check-ins, demonstrating a unique approach to coping with mental health challenges.
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Long-Term Unemployment Harms Mental Health
- Long-term unemployment (six months+) raises risk for anxiety, depression, marital strain, and substance use.
- Christina Caron says shame and self-blame from prolonged job loss drive much of that mental-health decline.
Reframe Job Loss As External
- Reframe job loss as caused by external factors instead of personal failure.
- Christina Caron recommends listing systemic reasons (company cuts, ageism, politics) to reduce shame and self-blame.
AI Hiring Reinforces Rejection Hopelessness
- AI-driven hiring can produce immediate rejections that reinforce negative thinking for applicants.
- Christina Caron notes quick rejections can worsen feelings of helplessness during long searches.