If you look, you may be able to find something of value. There’s many things surrounding job loss that you can’t control, including being hired for your next job. Ideally, you’ll be able to develop coping techniques that allow you to still job search , but if you need to take a break from the search altogether, that’s perfectly okay. Part of what makes the job hunting process so stressful is the incredible weight it often carries. Whether your family’s survival depends on your salary or your income is what funds the “extras,” being unemployed or underemployed impacts the people you love most in the world.

Having a conversation about shifting household tasks and family roles may also be helpful. But you must keep going and do so with the right attitude. Not everyone will help you out, but the right ones will. In my opinion, the way out of job search depression is by asking and talking to those that truly support you. I have a method that I use on days when job search anxiety hits me.

Socialize and connect

Remember that even if you’re doing the right things, finding a job can be a struggle. Depending on what your experience level is and what your career and salary needs are, finding the right position can take time. The headlines about the job market usually reflect macro conditions that might not be relevant to your search. Being too hard on yourself can hinder the job search process. A lack of self-compassionand being critical of your flaws prevents others from seeing your positive attributes. If you have any doubt about whether job search depression is real or not, consider this. We hope you have found this article valuable if you work with clients who have experienced job loss, recognize their journey, and wish to help them further.

Job loss and unemployment upend people’s feelings of self-worth, comfort, security and personal control. For job seekers experiencing job search depression, it’s even more important than usual for you to lean on your support systems. Talking to a close friend about your frustrations, or pursuing therapy if that’s available to you, can give you another perspective that may change the way you look at the job hunt. Chatting about non-work-related topics with friends and family will give your mind a necessary break as well. A positive mindset helps you embrace your imperfections despite your job hunting depression. Embracing your flaws can lead to feelings of personal satisfaction and success, rather than feelings of failure if you don’t achieve something perfectly.

The thought exercise

A job search can be overwhelming under the best of circumstances and is often made even more so by the symptoms of depression. For instance, depression can have a negative impact on memory, which might lead you to forget details you need to remember in order to make the best impression during your job hunt.

And the more time that passes, the worse you may end up feeling. Understanding and accepting that this totally normal experience happens to everyone at some point in their careers. Amy Bergen is a writer based in Portland, Maine. She has experience in the social impact space in Baltimore, Maryland, the educational museum sphere in Columbus, Ohio, and the literary world of New York City. Physical surroundings make a difference too, so take the time to put together a “home office” setup where you feel comfortable.

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Ask your client to look at their hard skills (certifications, languages, computer literacy, driver’s license) and soft skills . Request them to hone in and give you concrete examples of these skills and what they have mastered precisely. Consider charging a smaller fee or even allowing for some concessions.

Accomplishing tasks you set out to do, however small they may seem, can kick-start your confidence and motivation. Give yourself a day off for your mental health when needed, especially if your job search stretches into the long term. There are reasons why the job search takes depression and job search a psychological toll. If you’re refreshing your inbox every few minutes or perusing job boards constantly, you’re keeping your body and mind in a high-alert stress mode that can do damage over time. There is always hope for those suffering from job search depression.

Reach Out to Your Support Network

Job loss grief can apply to the psychological or psychosocial processes that arise from loss or change experienced by a person (Afonso & Poeschl, 2006). Job loss can lead to adverse reactions, manifesting as despair, anger, guilt, and dysfunction (Shear, Ghesquiere, & Glickman, 2013). Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Stress & Burnout Prevention Exercises for free. These science-based exercises will equip your clients with tools to manage stress better and find a healthier balance in their life. You may feel awkward, embarrassed, and even ashamed, especially if you have recently encountered job loss. Work makes us feel whole and forms a large part of our identity and life (Gallo et al., 2005).

• You might be tempted to lower your expectations, perhaps by applying for a role you’re overqualified for.
• You might feel discouraged when things don’t progress in the job search.
• You’ll see what’s out there and won’t miss anything new.
• Get professional help from BetterHelp’s network of licensed therapists.
• By not yielding to job search anxiety, you’re facing your challenges head-on and actively working on your personal well-being.