Job Search Depression How to Cope and Keep the Faith

The study also concluded that unemployed Americans are twice as likely to suffer from depression, compared to individuals with full-time jobs. You might also want to seek out an online support group—some groups are designed for the long-term unemployed or for people diagnosed with clinical depression. People who remain unemployed for long periods tend to spend less time with their friends and family, according to a 2014 Gallup survey. Remember, this unfortunate period is only temporary, so don’t sweat it.

Covid-19 concerns, childcare issues (even after schools re-opened), and larger-than-usual financial cushions have dampened job seeker interest. In addition, wages are rising but not enough to offset inflation and temp passive job seekers. The same areas of our brain become activated when we experience rejection as when we experience physical pain. That’s why even small rejections hurt more than we think they should, because they elicit literal pain. Even if you didn’t receive feedback from an employer, can you analyze your search so far, and identify why you might not have received an offer?

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It will help you stay organized in today’s very competitive job markets. Instead, surround yourself with a positive community of like-minded people where you can share honest experiences and learn trade secrets. Just because one company says “no” today doesn’t mean it’s a “no” for all future positions, forever. Beating yourself up after every missed interview or unanswered message will damage your self-confidence and hold back your job search.

This lack of confidence in your abilities further prevents you from nailing that interview. Once you’ve clocked out for the day, it’s important to participate in activities that will destress your nervous system and re-energize you. When it comes to searching for a new job, treat that as your job. This means working for a set number of hours, taking regular breaks, and clocking out at the end of the day. When you have a full-time (or even part-time) job, you’re expected to stick to a schedule. Your health always comes first, and working through the root causes of your depression can help you continue to succeed in life, especially in your next role.

Don’t take rejection personally.

The counselor can also help the overcoming job search depression eradicate irrational thoughts and beliefs that inhibit the person’s well-being. The counselor and the client, together, also work on and construct healthier coping mechanisms against stressors for the client. Research has found that participating in some kinds of regular volunteer work can help to ease the symptoms of depression.

A key tip for how to deal with job depression is to maintain perspective. Keep in mind that while your job search may take some time, it won’t last forever. Remember that even if you’re doing the right things, finding a job can be a struggle.

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If you’re working with a therapist, keep them apprised of the situation and discuss if it might be advantageous to increase your number of sessions. If you were recently laid off or left a toxic job, take some time for yourself before jumping headfirst into the application process. While not everyone may have the means to escape for a long beach vacation, try to at least take the weekend to rest and recalibrate. After all, getting turned down from a job happens to everyone, the most important thing is what you learn from the experience. Depending on the issue, there may be some training or informal coaching you can undertake to help you develop.

While in a depressed state, your mind lies to you and tells you that you have no skills, no talent, and that you have nothing to contribute. Naturally, such feelings are going to hinder your ability to appear confident in interviews and market yourself. Thus, you end up caught in a vicious cycle of low self-esteem, leading to bad interview performances, which in turn, compounds your feelings of inadequacy.