Mental health burden among unemployed graduate job seekers in Bangladesh: evidence on depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, and suicidal behavior

In LMICs like Bangladesh, mental health morbidities such as depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, and suicidal behavior are becoming a major concern for graduate job seekers. The objective of this study was to compare the levels of depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, and suicidal behavior among unemployed graduate job seekers in Bangladesh. This study employs a cross-sectional design, utilizing a quantitative technique. Data were collected using DASS-21, ISI-7, and SBQ-R scales. The independent samples t-test and ANOVA were used for statistical analyses to determine significant differences. The findings revealed that 54.3% of women experienced significantly higher levels of depression (P < 0.014), anxiety (P < 0.008), stress (P < 0.004), and suicidal behavior (P < 0.015) compared to men. Postgraduate respondents demonstrated higher mean scores for depression (P < 0.001), insomnia (P < 0.003), and suicidal behavior (P < 0.000) than graduate individuals. Additionally, business career aspirants experienced comparably lower depression (P < 0.000) and stress (P < 0.038) than other professions. Moreover, significantly higher levels of depression (P < 0.010), anxiety (P < 0.001), and suicidal behavior (P < 0.000) were determined among the individuals who had lost their jobs than those who were still job-seeking. This study will assist policymakers in providing evidence on the mental health conditions of graduate students as well as enabling them to design more student-friendly policies within universities and improve labor market regulations to better support young graduates.