Overcome Depression After Losing a Job

Many people were laid off from work due to the current pandemic. This is causing a drastic impact on many American lives. Unemployment can result in depression because it hinders a person’s ability to provide for their own or their family’s basic needs. 

Depression can be debilitating. It targets not only an individual’s psychological well-being but also physically. For this reason, everyone should learn smart ways to maintain good mental well-being. 

In this article, you will learn how you can fight unemployment depression before it hurts your chances of finding a new job.

Arising Mental Health Issues

According to recent news, the unemployment rate surged over 20 million during the COVID-19 or coronavirus pandemic. This traumatic event significantly slowed down business operations, prompting many small and medium-sized business establishments to let go of some regular employees.

Related: The Rise of COVID Anxiety

Why Is Mental Health Important?

Now more than ever, your mental health should be a priority because failure to do so will create a mental health decline. Even a seemingly minor source of stress – like taking too long to find a job – can worsen over time. It can create anxiety and consume a person’s mind. Depression drags a person’s thoughts into a dark world that’s full of sadness, loneliness, and hopelessness. If not managed, it can lead to harming others and/ or oneself.

How Do You Fight Unemployment Depression?

Online Counseling

One of the most common psychological issues, when a person becomes unemployed, is depression. A great way to deal with anxiety and this problem nowadays is by seeking online counseling. 

Online therapy or counseling platforms are now available to provide expert interventions. It’s made for those who need someone to talk to. When you’re struggling with work, it’s a healthy intervention to help you assess your situation.

Take a look at the following benefits of virtual counseling:

• Convenient: One of the significant advantages of this type of counseling is the convenience you can obtain from the virtual interaction using communications apps and other tools available through the Internet. Unlike traditional therapy, you don’t have to be physically present in a clinic to speak with a mental health professional. You only need a computer or your phone and a reliable internet connection to proceed.
• Save Time And Effort: Because you can talk to a counselor over the Internet, you can save so much time and effort commuting or driving to a counselor’s office. Physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses can assist patients through virtual consultation or telemedicine.
• Affordable: There are many affordable web counseling services nowadays, such as the services offered by Kentucky Counseling Center.

Strengthen Your Support System

A vital aspect of mental health awareness is strengthening your support system, which comprises your immediate family, close friends, and your local community. For some, it’s tough to recover from unemployment depression if there’s no healthy support system. Remember that you are not alone. Make use of available resources at home and in your community to resolve your problems. It won’t hurt asking for help. It can be from your loved ones, a hotline, a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or any healthcare professional.

Take a look at the following ways you can strengthen your support system:

• Talk about your problems with someone you trust. Open communication in the family will help you a lot.
• Inquire available local community support. There are mental health resources near you. If you live in the state of Kentucky, Kentucky Counseling Center offers support.
• Don’t hesitate to join support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Codependents Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and other mental health groups.
• Don’t be afraid to try again. Connect with employers or employees who are in businesses. Inquire about jobs available in your area by reaching out to appropriate local agencies.

Related: How to Help a Loved One With Their Severe Mental Illness

Gain New Skills

In March 2020, the country’s unemployment rate jumped to 14.7 percent –one of America’s highest rates since the Great Depression. However, some business sectors suddenly became a hit, such as e-commerce, digital marketing, and work-from-home offers. 

These opportunities can be your motivation as you try to bounce back. Learn new skills and expand your knowledge rather than staying miserable thinking about what you have lost. Take your time to do the following:

• Take free web courses to improve your skills, such as digital marketing topics from Hubstaff Academy, Instagram, Facebook, and lessons from Udemy.
• Find available home-based jobs through web-based job portals, such as Indeed and LinkedIn. 
• Sell your old stuff or collections on eBay or any online marketplace you prefer so you can earn some money or start another business.

Take Time To Relax And Enjoy

While unemployment is a major problem, don’t allow it to ruin your life. You probably have tried applying to several companies and are still waiting for a phone call. If you’re feeling tired from the stress of your situation, it’s okay to take a break and relax.

Enjoy the things you have at the moment. Make your family or loved ones an inspiration and motivation not to give up. Also, don’t be afraid to get creative! You may be surprised about the astonishing number of jobs in the new gig-economy that are available that allow you to work from home and be your own boss. Find creative ways to earn money. There’s income in playing video games, creating YouTube videos, blogging, or graphics design. If you have a skill or trade that you love doing, check out Fiverr.com or Upwork. These are sites where you can tell the world about your skills and get hired for project-based work.

Related: A Psychologist’s Notes From Quarantine

Don’t Neglect Your Health

It’s so easy to neglect your physical and mental health because of depression. You lose the pleasure of eating nutritious food, and you lack sleep. That’s why as early as possible, you have to ensure you’re getting the right amount of sleep, exercise, and diet. All of these contribute to your physical and psychological well-being.

Conclusion

Unemployment is a reality of life. It’s tough when you’re experiencing it. However, you are not left helpless. You can conquer unemployment depression through online therapy or counseling, strengthening your support system, and improving yourself. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a massive contributor to your recovery, too. With your willingness to fight stress and anxiety, a stable support system, and professional help, you can help yourself overcome unemployment depression and move forward.