When Job Loss Leads to Depression? How do I recover?

Job loss depression occurs when someone loses their employment. It can have long-lasting effects on the individual, sometimes lasting as long as two years. Job loss depression is not solely caused by the single event of losing one's job. The loss of employment can trigger a series of events, called a "cascade of negative life events." 

For example, the loss of employment almost always means financial stress will follow. The financial difficulties may hinder one from being able to make their car payment. The car may be repossessed - a negative life event. Without transportation, finding new employment becomes very difficult - another negative life event. The longer one is unemployed the more financial difficulties one may experience. In addition, one may have lost healthcare benefits. This in turn, makes caring for others with health problems extremely difficult, thus putting more strain on their relationships.

Using the above example, you can see how job loss depression can escalate throughout the period of the person's unemployment. In addition to the financial and relational strain that job loss causes, individuals usually suffer from feelings of insecurity, inferiority, and suffer from low self-esteem. They also may suffer from feelings of uncertainty about their current and future job stability. These feelings, associated with job loss depression, can last up to two years even if they have become gainfully employed. In addition to the emotional impact of job loss depression, studies have proven job loss depression can also influence a person's physical health as well.

Since anyone can lose their employment at any given time, anyone could be susceptible to job loss depression. Since it is not so much the initial act of losing one's job that causes the depression, but rather the crisis that job loss causes (or the "cascade of negative life events") you can prepare yourself for these situations by planning ahead. This preparation could encompass both financial planning for the future and mental health techniques that encourage you to find your value and self-worth outside the job market. 

 

8 Ideas for Coping With Job Loss and Avoiding Depression

• Be realistic. Come to terms with why you lost your job. If you need to improve your skills to find a better job, now's the perfect time to get that training.
• Manage your money. If you have the right to certain benefits, claim them as soon as you can to avoid getting behind financially. Make a plan for you and your family to reduce daily expenses.
• Create a daily routine. Make a schedule of what you hope to accomplish each day, so that you maintain a regular routine. Include time for your job search, as well as exercise and leisure. Plan for the next day before you go to bed at night.
• Get emotional support. Family, friends, and support groups can help you deal with the job loss. Speaking to people — networking — may help you find a new job.
• Learn how to manage stress. Read a book or take a workshop. Meditate, visualize, and be patient by taking one step at a time.
• Set everyday goals for yourself. Just going to the library or having lunch with a friend can help you build your confidence, maintain relationships, and stay healthy.
• Don't isolate yourself. Make sure to stay busy outside of your home to avoid added emotional stress.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Limit your smoking and your alcohol and caffeine intake. A regular schedule, eating well, and exercise will keep you fit for the next job.

  Getting Professional Help for Depression
If the above strategies don't help and your problems feel overwhelming, speak to your doctor about depression treatment. He or she may suggest management strategies, such as taking medication and/or talking to a mental health specialist (a psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker). Here are some issues you may want to bring up at a meeting with a mental health professional:

• What do you think causes stress in your life? Include long-term and short-term stressors.
• How are your family and yourself affected by this stress?
• Do you have support available to help get through your situation, or make a positive impact on your life?
• Are there obstacles preventing you from reducing the stress?
• Are you willing to make major changes to reduce the stressful situation?
• Have you tried without success to resolve your situation?
• Can you accept this current situation and get on with your life?

Finding a new job can be a roller-coaster ride. But remember that success doesn't happen overnight and that you are not alone in feeling blue or scared.