How to deal with job-search depression

Jobs contribute to a huge chunk of our identity structure. We commit our time, heart and minds to our places of work. What happens when you lose a job and have to hunt for another? Whereas this path is one that most have to follow, it takes a toll on many. From dealing with rejection, embarrassment, low self-worth and the recurring bills, it is draining. Mostly, you will be energized after a job loss but hunt on for more than ten weeks and depression comes knocking. Find out how to deal with it and stop it at the door.

Rebrand your identity

It is true that we derive our identity from our careers. We even have most of our friends formed from the work environment. Since you were used to spending more time around this arena, how do you rethink of yourself otherwise? Start by understanding that you are not entirely your career.

Much as you may be jeering and thinking it’s impossible, you are more than your former employment. Take an evaluation test and write down your values, your dreams and goals. Remove any work-related thoughts and focus to see whether you see something above your former job. Through this, you will be able to focus inwardly and take yourself slow.

Have a structured day

Remember getting to the office by 7, getting your take-away coffee and attending those business meetings as you wrote reports in the afternoon. This structure gave you a sense of anticipation and direction. To curb feeling like a couch potato as you scroll through your phone for new opportunities, create a new routine.

Treat looking for a job as an actual job. This involves waking up at a certain time, sending a particular number of resumes, making follow up calls to employers than watching Netflix all day. Being intentionally active will remove feelings of hopelessness by engaging your mind and showing you that you are actively pursuing.

Socialize with other people

There is a certain isolation that comes with lack of employment. It may be that you feel like everyone else’s life is moving forward and you decide to pull yourself out of the social class. The after work coffees become a thing of the past since you may not have money to spend on them anyway. Hard as it is, socializing boosts your ego and helps you reconnect.

You can choose to set dates where you attend networking conferences to keep up with your industry or join a webinar. Make sure you keep in touch with other people as this will play as an exit to your depressed feelings. Socializing has a way of rejuvenating someone.

Learn new skills that could be marketable

Instead of sulking up that you are being bypassed by this opportunity and the other, improve yourself. Since you are not employed, use your free time to take some courses online or attend a workshop. This sharpens your skills and boosts your ego as you will feel more sellable in your resume. It will also help you deal better with feelings of self-sabotage since a new skill means better capabilities and confidence.

Identify your triggers

At which point do you feel low during your job searching? Is it after the interview or the follow-up? Know what makes you tick and purpose to liven yourself up. When looking for a job over a long period, we are bound to experience some sort of burnout. It in turn affects our emotional wellbeing such that we are unable to present ourselves well when an opportunity arises. You can choose to ask for help from a friend or family member, someone to keep you very accountable of your state.

Whereas depression is a common problem, you can choose to keep it at bay. Yes, job hunting is a daunting experience. With the correct mental health and positive energy, it is just a matter of time before the phase comes to an end.