The current economic recession has resulted in extremely high rates of unemployment, with the majority of those losing jobs being men. There is much research exploring how men respond to unemployment, but little examines how wives experience this crisis. Although nearly half of the workforce is now female, many women are co-providers, not sole providers. This article uses a historical perspective within a framework of role theory to help psychiatric nurse clinicians understand the possible responses of women who seek counseling after their spouses become unemployed. Counseling interventions are suggested, and an individual example is presented. Directions for future research are noted.