When you lose your job, do you feel like you still have meaning in your life? Unfortunately, for many, losing your job may feel like the end of the world.
Many feel as though their success and worth are measured by being employed. While money can’t buy happiness, it cannot be denied that money is needed to afford even your basic necessities. Without it, survival becomes difficult.
If you ever find yourself in the unfortunate situation wherein you lose your job, it’s normal for your stress levels to spike.
Unemployment can happen when you least expect it. That said, your mental health can suffer as a direct result of job loss.
Here’s how a job loss can impact your mental health:
1. You tend to feel more anxious
Anxiety is one of the more common results directly attributed to a job loss. When you no longer have a source of income, you become anxious about everything.
How are you going to pay for your rent, meals and utilities? Are there medications that you have to pay for? How are you going to pay for the needs of your children and family?
Thoughts like these can hound your mind all the time. When your anxiety levels are high, you will naturally find it very difficult to relax.
Sleeping may even be trying. In severe cases of recurring anxiety attacks, you should talk to a mental health professional or seek help.
Moreover, you should also be open with your family or a trusted support group. Talk things out, and see up to what extent you can work things out while you’re still trying to get a new job.
2. You begin to develop self-doubt
Self-doubt is very common in individuals who have gone through a job loss. The longer it is since your last employment, the more deep-seated your doubt becomes.
Because you’re unable to land a job immediately, you might begin to question your capabilities and skills. The downside to this is that it might lead you to believe that you’re no longer worthy of a job, hence the tendency to shut off from the world or to keep to yourself in isolation.
3. You’ll start to develop depression
When you’re unemployed, there’s a natural tendency to feel a sense of hopelessness. You may feel disappointed in yourself.
You may even disconnect from family and friends, and refuse to attend social gatherings because you’re ashamed to be asked about where you’re working or what you’re currently doing – questions that often come up during conversations.
When finding another job seems to be a futile effort, stress starts to build up, leading to feelings of worthlessness and depression.
When you suspect that you or any of your unemployed friends or family are developing depressive tendencies, you should seek the help of a professional.
Conclusion
Unemployment and lack of job security aren’t uncommon today. Especially with the competition getting stiffer and unemployment rates going higher as well.
If you’re not one of those who are affected by it, then you’re in luck. But nothing is certain and you might find yourself in the unfortunate situation of not having a job.
Undeniably, job loss is one of the most common factors that contribute to mental health problems. If you feel you’re one of these individuals, don’t lose hope. While you’re in the process of finding a job, don’t neglect your mental health and seek the help of a professional if you must.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the world’s first blog psychologist and founder of Psychreg. As an international mental health advocate, he speaks at various conferences around the world.