Anxiety sets in about GM plant
JANESVILLE — Feeling blue, Janesville? Anxious about the future?
No wonder. The loss of more than 2,000 jobs at General Motors and its suppliers as the SUV line shuts down Tuesday is enough to stress just about everyone.
Of course, the workers themselves bear the brunt of it. They have financial survival to worry about, but the psychological and spiritual distress should not be ignored, said psychiatrist Dr. Nancy Barklage.
For the workers, the feelings of rejection or betrayal can be like a loss of faith, Barklage said.
"Obviously, it's not losing faith in God, but it's losing faith in a company that you so believed in, a company that gave so much and a company that seemed like it never would go away," Barklage said.
Some of those workers' families have been at the plant for generations. And now, that company has rejected them.
"We see a lot of people feeling betrayed in that regard," Barklage said. " … These things are happening in such large numbers, and it is creating significant insecurities for people."
Barklage has been counseling her share of laid-off workers at UW Health in Madison. She said it hasn't been this bad since she started working in Madison in 1979.
People who still have jobs are affected, as well.
"We certainly have seen some survivor guilt with people who have survived a widespread job loss in their workplace," Barklage said.
It's hard enough to be the only person around who lost a job, Barklage said, but it can be harder when hundreds of people in your town are looking for work.
"It just gets into demoralization, where people won't have as much willingness to get up and find a job."
The urge to shut down and do nothing is your enemy, Barklage said. You should fight it.
Some people have more internal resources to get through the mental tumult, Barklage said. Others need help.
Friends and family can offer encouragement, but they shouldn't make things out to be worse than they are, and they shouldn't sugarcoat it.
And they shouldn't talk about it all the time, Barklage advised.
Some families will move, and that increases the stress as they lose the close ties to family and friends, Barklage said.
As the economic effects ripple through the community, the psychological impact does, as well, Barklage said. Business owners worry they might see a drop in sales. Employees wonder if they are next.
"People get depressed, and they also get anxious," Barklage said. "And the anxiety and the depression aren't just at the time that they find out what is going on. It continues to grow for many people."
Some people suffer aftershocks much later, when they run out of money for the mortgage, rent or food, she said. So they need to seek out community support services, such as food pantries or church-based services.
PSYCHOLOGICAL SURVIVAL
Dr. Nancy Barklage has these tips for psychological survival for people after they lose their jobs:
-- Seek support from friends and family or your faith community.
"Reach out. Talk to people in person. E-mail. Make phone calls. Let people know. Share the feelings. This is absolutely critical."
-- Take a look at your life. Workers often define their lives by their work. But a mother or father is much more than a breadwinner.
"Be aware of what is good in life and stable-one's children, partner, spouse, religion," she said. "Hold on to those things."
-- Don't lose track of your workmates. Some of a person's closest relationships are at work. Make time to be with those people.
-- Set a daily schedule. Get up at your regular time. "Most people do better with structure."
Set goals, such as sending out a certain number of job applications each day. Make your job search your new job, but don't make it all-consuming. Schedule time with friends, to complete projects at home, or to investigate educational opportunities.
-- Make a financial plan. Discuss it with your partner. It may involve going back to school to update your skills. It may mean searching for work farther from home than you originally wanted.
"A budget is absolutely critical."
Some people are uncomfortable examining their finances. They're afraid to look. But looking pays off. It can make you feel good about yourself, more in control, Barklage said.
-- Take care of yourself. "Sometimes people are tempted, when being treated poorly, to treat themselves poorly," Barklage said. Nurture yourself and accept nurturing from others.
Exercise. Eat well. Stay away from drink or drugs.
-- If you need help making ends meet, seek out community resources. The Rock County Job Center may be your first stop for a job search or deciding whether you should go back to school. For food, heating assistance, transportation and other needs, try First Call for Help, (608) 752-3100.
Dec 20, 2008 at 7:41 a.m.
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FYI.....I feel SORRY for our NATION, and ignorant people like you!
Dec 20, 2008 at 7:40 a.m.
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R2BETTER....you are a snot. Sounds to me like YOU think YOUR better than everyone else. And the green eyed monster is showing himself in your words. And newsflash, GM is not the only detrement on the nation, yes, it is taking it's toll on the communities the plants reside in, but our nation as a WHOLE is in a crisis, in case you haven't noticed. And people like you sitting there high on your mountian thinking you are not effected, well, you may not be right now, but eventually, EVERYONE is going to feel the sock in the gut. At least these peasant ant workers you are referring to are thinking realistically, you on the other hand, are walking with your head in the clouds. It's all about being pro-active, NOT vindictive and selfish.
Dec 19, 2008 at 10:54 p.m.
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Right on Woody. Don't forget the 55 salary who are also done on 2/1 at Orion Assembly. The third shift is done-a short lived addition. Additionally, many Lordstown transfers did sell their homes, took the transfer and have been notified that they are out a job and now own a home in Ohio.
Dec 19, 2008 at 10:33 p.m.
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piterboy....here is news about your nice Lake Orion plant...
December 10, 2008 - Four months ago, Orion's GM assembly plant, which makes the popular Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6, announced they were adding a third shift.
So much has changed in such a short amount of time.
A few weeks ago, 650 employees were laid off.
Now, as all three of Detroit's beleaguered automakers take heat in Washington while seeking funds to continue operating, GM announced Friday the third shift would also go.
According to the plant's Communications Manager Becki Akers-Hopson, the cut impacts 390 more employees, bringing the grand tally of layoffs at the Orion plant to 1,200, all effective Feb. 1.
Dec 19, 2008 at 9:39 p.m.
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THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS!
Dec 19, 2008 at 9:31 p.m.
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Zoom, oh, please be quiet. You have a lot of nerve. I have every right to say what I want here. You probably still think that there is a Santa Claus. Wake up and face reality.
Dec 19, 2008 at 9:29 p.m.
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Sarah B, check out Beloit Memorial Hospital. They are looking for RN's. Good luck.
Dec 19, 2008 at 8:55 p.m.
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Back on topic: Now for a public service announcement. If the GM closing is making you anxious, you might not want to read all the comments below. Nothing to see here...move along.
Dec 19, 2008 at 8:26 p.m.
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PITERBOY.....you need prozac and a shot of compassion. If you are a man, I would hate to be your wife. Sure hope that arm that is reaching around and patting yourself on the back is long enough to hold you up when you fall, (as the WHOLE NATION is not just 'lazy thinking' Janesville GM workers) because you don't deserve any other helping hands, that's for sure!
Dec 19, 2008 at 8:14 p.m.
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Thanks, Snarly. Merry Christmas to you also. Joker: I am an RN.
Dec 19, 2008 at 8:10 p.m.
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Whatever........
Dec 19, 2008 at 7:38 p.m.
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oh please, as if you didn't know gm was closing. i sold my house in may of 06 and everyone thought i was jumping ahead for no reason. "they'll never close janesville" no realtor, no hassles, no problems, got 100,000.00 more than I paid for the house too. you were told and told and told to bail out. move on,,,,gm was soon done here. so why the complaining about your house and your taxes. you sure could have transfered. oh yes you could have. thats what is so difficult to understand. everyone in the entire plant could have transfered regardless of your situation, family ties, or lazy thinking. so no sympathy at all for you. they offer you a job and you refused?????? come on,,,,your ridiculous to whine now and deserve any setbacks coming your way for such a selfish selfish decision. you could have still been rollin in the money. the lake orion plant is nothing but transfer people and they work endless hours. friend works first shift there and commutes 45 minutes daily......but she still has a job and she will retire.....just because she transfered.
Dec 19, 2008 at 7:06 p.m.
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There is really nothing to do at this point but survive and help others survive. True, most of us in this job crisis don't have the money to help others with, but the most valuable help comes from within. For just one second, let's stop before we yell or think evil thoughts about a person who does something that makes us mad, such as drives too slow, that person could be going through a panic attack and just surviving the minute they are in. Please, let's all try to find the inate compassion we were born with. United we stand.....divided we FALL. Good luck to my fellow unemployed, we will all prevail!
Dec 19, 2008 at 6:56 p.m.
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Sarah, are you an RN or LPN?
Dec 19, 2008 at 6:43 p.m.
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GOOD LUCK MERRY CHRISTMAS
Dec 19, 2008 at 6:24 p.m.
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Snarly: Thanks, I'll take a look. Part of the problem is that most public health nursing jobs posted by counties require a bachelor's degree in nursing (due to community health component). My nursing degree is a three-year degree (we all take the same board exams however). Other problem is that with my accident injuries I use a cane and can no longer run down the hallways or be on my feet for the entire shift. Still, the area of nursing that I like best (addictions and mental health) doesn't usually require as much time on one's feet. So, I am lucky in that respect. I will take a look, however, at that web site. Thanks.
Dec 19, 2008 at 6:17 p.m.
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Hay sarahb 3 opening's in waukesha county for RN's take a look
Dec 19, 2008 at 6:07 p.m.
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O sorry SARAHB.
Dec 19, 2008 at 6:04 p.m.
Dec 19, 2008 at 5:49 p.m.
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Thanks, Joker. I am sorry about my ranting before; I feel better since I made myself something to eat. (LOL!) Anyway, I can tell you that I got a letter from a Madison health-care facility last week in which they put a job I'd applied for on hold for now. When I returned to their web site, it appeared as if they had yanked at least 20 jobs that had been posted for extensive periods. My guess is some part-time registered nurses are asking for more hours or the facility is trying to cut back in light of the present economy.
Dec 19, 2008 at 5:19 p.m.
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This State is a tax hell for businesses. They need to make it more business friendly and then you will see businesses moving in. We have a world class workforce in this area.
Dec 19, 2008 at 4:37 p.m.
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You do need to think about going where the jobs are. Yes, you have a house you can't sell, but there are many people who have to rent now because they are unable to buy a house, so rent it out. If you can't rent it out...well, sorry, that's the breaks. Life is a gamble and sometimes you lose.
I regret buying a house here...never should have done it.
Dec 19, 2008 at 4:35 p.m.
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Shut up and fish, I agree. Janesville is in serious trouble but many people on this board and in Janesville fail to realize that. Where are city leaders-both elected and non elected?
No one seems to want to take charge of this crisis!
Dec 19, 2008 at 4:34 p.m.
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Truth, well said. Delavan, I suggest you check your spelling. I am not complaining, I am telling the truth. No they did not make more money then me. I am very successful and have done quite well for myself. Why so negative?
Sarah B, I am sorry you lost your job and you were injured. I know Mercy has made and will be making cuts in the next few weeks.
Dec 19, 2008 at 4:30 p.m.
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It's going to get worse
Dec 19, 2008 at 4:04 p.m.
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The Isuzu line can be made in Flint alongside the other medium duty trucks.
Dec 19, 2008 at 3:44 p.m.
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Whether someone likes GM workers or not is not relevant. The closing of the GM plant will affect thousands in varying degrees. In addition, thousands will lose, not only pay, but good medical benefits. Had this happened a few years ago, the effect would have been more limited, because the job market wasn't nearly as bad. However, considering our current economic situation, there are very few jobs available for thousands of people who will now be looking for work. Granted, there are educational options, but even that doesn't create a job. Though I understand the complaints of those who made far less than GM wages, I don't understand the lack of compassion. There is no doubt that this will create a trickle down effect that will have an impact any many unrelated to GM. In addition, those who were looking for jobs prior to GM's announcement, will now have to compete with thousands more for those same jobs. Although I think Janesville will eventually survive this downturn, there is a lot of work going forward. In the meantime I think it's important to put jealousy and ego's aside and look at the big picture. Whether we like it or not, we're all in this together. This is our city and unless we all work together to improve this situation this city will continue to suffer.
Dec 19, 2008 at 3:42 p.m.
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TheJoker: I am not sure what you mean by your comment directed toward me. I thought Localboy put forth an idea that might help area workers. And for your information, sir, I do not nor have I ever worked at GM. I've never had any relatives working there either. And, I am out of work right now (again as of two weeks ago) without a severance package, etc. I am a registered nurse who holds three college degrees, the most recent being a master's degree in social work. Yes, RNs are even being laid off in certain areas. It also doesn't help that I must now use a cane to get around because of injuries I suffered in the 98-vehicle crash on Interstate 90 last January. How many places want to hire an RN using a cane? To top it off, I can't get the knee, ankle and foot repaired yet because I can no longer afford to pay for my Cobra insurance and the guy whose monsterous, million-ton pickup rear-ended me going 50 mph (I was at a standstill) DID NOT have auto insurance. People tell me to apply for disability, but I won't consider putting myself into that financial trap. I CAN and WILL work again and make a livable income. Yes, I made a nice income as an RN and I saved quite a bit of it for a rainy day. Well, that rainy day has come and the money is gone ... it went for rent, bills, food, a used vehicle to replace the one totaled in the accident, etc. But am I complaining? Heck, no! I consider myself lucky because my boat is still afloat. I am not giving up. I feel sorry for anyone going without work and I am ready to cheer on any idea that sounds like it might help the Stateline area. But, I also admit, that I tend to cheer loudest for those that also refuse to give up and who do their darnest to enjoy the ride. So, Mr. Joker, I don't know you and I honestly have nothing against you. But if you are looking to pick a fight, you better go take a long nap first because I'm no quitter.
Dec 19, 2008 at 2:14 p.m.
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The people that are the very WORST off are the ones that had a once-successful small business that failed and no assets...
.
They get no severence, no unemployment, no NOTHING.
.
Dec 19, 2008 at 2:09 p.m.
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Thejoker:Do you want a liitle cheese with your wineing?Wait till your property tax's go up.(that is if you own your home in Janesville)Sounds like your upset cause they made more money than you.That is life.........
Dec 19, 2008 at 1:25 p.m.
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Local boy, give it up. Auto jobs in this city are over. You too Sarah B, face reality.
Must be nice to have a nice severance package after working for such high wages prior. I am more concerned about workers like those at LSI, Lear and Alcoa who don't have the same breaks the GM workers are getting.
Dec 19, 2008 at 12:50 p.m.
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With the exception of the GM suppier employee's, who exacly is hurting right now??? 95% of your inflated wage isn't good enough? Ever since I was a kid I have had to listen to GM employee's whine about how bad it is when the real word makes roughly half of the wages that GM employee's make. Feal sorry for the one's really effected by this, not the people that either get 95% of there pay, could have transfered or have taken a buy out package.
Dec 19, 2008 at 11:47 a.m.
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Good question Rosie; since grandma says were staying cause we got those grand kids and they grow up fast. Where is that cheese line??
Dec 19, 2008 at 11:40 a.m.
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Hay 17.4 billion to the auto maker,Hmmm be nice to see it go to the janesville plant,to keep open,
Dec 19, 2008 at 11:32 a.m.
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This is probably the most important article printed about the plants closing. Many are hurting financially, emotionally and spiritually. Kindness and compassion go a long way. Friends, family and community are needed more than ever. And most of all "Never, never, never, never give up" -Winston Churchill
Dec 19, 2008 at 11:22 a.m.
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I am just frustrated because during tough economic times, we often place so much energy on cutting/saving cost, when we should be putting as much or more energy to finding ways to make money. Most companies (unfortunately)make cuts, not expansion. When I was a young batchelor I weathered a touch economic stretch by first reviewing all of my expenses, and then making adjustments/cuts. I then reviewed what I had/owned, and studied on how that could generate income. I had a house, truck and lawnmower (to make it simple). I ended up getting a roommate, offering to haul junk and rent out my truck to friends and co-workers, and mowing lawns to generate extra income. That same mindset should be applied to companies, and muncipalities etc.
Dec 19, 2008 at 11:17 a.m.
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That sounds great gpawcat but what do we do just walk away from our homes that we paid years on. Nobody wants all these homes that are for sale.
Dec 19, 2008 at 11:15 a.m.
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Good question. I have no idea where to start. It could be possible that this is taking place, but not reported due to secrecy.
Dec 19, 2008 at 11:10 a.m.
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Good idea, Localboysince1968. Who would you contact next to get the ball rolling?
Dec 19, 2008 at 9:41 a.m.
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The State, County, and City really need to court Isuzu. The Isuzu line at GM is still in production, and the commercial trucks are still selling. If our government got it together, they would contact Isuzu and see what they could offer to keep them in Janesville. It would support 80 to 100 good paying jobs, so it would be worth it.
Dec 19, 2008 at 9:36 a.m.
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I've been Thu this before back in the quad -cities in the 80's when Farmall, Case, Caterpillar & most of John Deere closed. The way we survived was go where the jobs are. I hear N. Dakota needs people but the cold weather is scaring them away.
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