Job Loss Depression

Job Loss Depression

If you’ve ever been let go from a job, you know the huge impact it can have on your life. Losing your job has obvious effects on financial wellbeing, but it also has significant mental health impacts, including triggering depression. Job loss depression is very real, so let’s explore the painful after-effects when your employment is terminated.

What is Job Loss Depression?

Losing your job means much more than simply losing a paycheck. Our work often plays an outsized role in our feelings of self-worth. We identify ourselves with our job, which gives us purpose and a sense of mission every day. When our employment is terminated, it is common to feel depressed and lost. Here are some of the common emotions experienced after losing a job:

• Uncertainty
• Restlessness
• Anxiety
• Fear of rejection
• Financial stress
• Loss of self-worth

Job loss depression is a subtype of depression that is termed situational. This simply means that the depression is triggered by an event, as compared to chronic depression. The good news is that situational depression caused by job loss tends to resolve once you have secured a new position. In the interim, between the termination and finding new work, the stress of finding a new job can be immense. It is stressful to look for work and very depressing to face rejection after rejection while on the job hunt.

Facts About Depression

Depression is the second most prevalent mental health disorder experienced by U.S. adults. This complex mood disorder affects over 21 million people, which translates to 10.5% of U.S. women and 6.2% of men. The young adults age bracket has the highest rates of depression, with 13.1% of this cohort affected by the disorder. Unfortunately, over one-third of those who suffer from major depressive disorder never seek treatment for it. Symptoms of depression may include:

• Depressed mood most of the day, including tearfulness and feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness
• Markedly diminished interest in activities that once were pleasurable
• Significant weight loss or weight gain
• Sleeping more than usual or insomnia
• Withdrawing socially
• Appearing to others to be agitated or moving slower than usual
• Fatigue
• Irritability and angry outbursts
• Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
• Trouble with concentration and decision-making
• Obsessive thoughts of death, suicide ideation or attempts

How Serious is Job Loss Depression?

The reality is that most adults align their feelings of value and self-worth with their occupation. When a job is suddenly lost, it can have devastating psychological effects. After being part of a workplace culture, losing that can leave you feeling isolated and lonely. Your pride is hurt, and feelings of embarrassment or humiliation are very common. Job loss depression should not be minimized. The longer it takes to replace the lost job, the more time there is to sink deeper into depression. Unpaid bills, rejection, and isolation can turn into a growing sense of hopelessness.

Depressed After a Job Loss? 7 Actions to Take Now

1. Give structure to your days. It is easy to fall into bad habits when you are between jobs. Avoid the temptation to sleep till noon and watch movies all day. Keep your days structured as if you still have a job, and use the time wisely to find new work.
2. Find new sources of purpose. Fill up some spare time with new purpose. Consider volunteering at the local senior center, the animal shelter, or a hospital. Help a neighbor who is dealing with a medical issue or injury.
3. Learn new skills. Make your resume stronger and your candidacy more competitive by updating your job skills. Take a course at a local community college, or attend some workshops or seminars where you can become indispensable to your next employer.
4. Join a support group. Someone going through a bout of job loss depression can benefit from gathering emotional support from others. Locate a local support group that provides weekly gatherings where members can share their experiences, frustrations, and hopes.
5. Practice self-care. Being without a job can induce feelings of stress and worry, so be sure to provide a space for some self-care. Download some meditation apps on your phone, such as Headspace or Calm to help reduce stress while improving your mood state.
6. Visit friends. Stay connected to your close friends during the time between jobs. Make an effort to visit friends you might have lost touch with to rekindle the relationship. Meet up with local friends for coffee or a weekly lunch date.
7. Stay active. One of the best remedies for low mood is exercise, as it helps the brain to produce endorphins. While you are between jobs, commit to a new workout routine and set new fitness goals for yourself.

Depression Retreats for Job Loss Depression

Despite all these efforts, you may still find yourself feeling deeply depressed due to a job loss. If so, then do yourself a favor and consider enrolling at a depression retreat. A depression retreat is a residential treatment center where you’ll enjoy some much deserved attention toward improving emotional wellbeing. Here is what to expect at a depression retreat:

• A luxury private residence located in a beautiful setting
• Enhanced privacy and confidentiality
• Spa-like services
• Gourmet meals
• Private bedrooms available

Help for the job loss depression involves a multi-faceted treatment approach that combines psychotherapy, group therapy, holistic activities, and nutrition & recreation. If you find yourself sinking deeper into depression, this is the appropriate treatment setting and program for you.

Mental Health Hope Provides Valuable Support for Depression

Mental Health Hope offers a free online support service for individuals seeking information about depression. Our free Depression Assessment Quiz is a good start toward getting the answers you need. For more guidance about job loss depression, please reach out to us today at (424) 622-6369.