10 Tips for Job Searching When You Also Have Depression

For many people, jobs are tied to their feelings of self-worth. If you suffer from low self-worth, it can be difficult to get out of the rut of job search hopelessness. Let’s take a look at how to deal with job depression and how to navigate the job-hunting process with a positive mindset. If you are looking for an exciting and rewarding job that also provides great pay, benefits, and job stability, now is the time to make your move. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers those interested in a career in law enforcement an exceptional opportunity to work with an elite team of highly trained professionals whose camaraderie,…

The first step is recognizing why job search depression happens. The real kick in the nards is that those roles where I get super close? Those recruiters request a call/meeting with me and we chat for upwards of an hour about https://remotemode.net/blog/job-search-depression-exists-and-it-has-to-be-addressed/ how impressed with me they are, can we stay in contact and connect via LinkedIn (they initiate). It is natural for us to go through phases of severe sadness, grief, lack of motivation, or exhaustion throughout our lives.

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This causes a high and then a rapid low– it’s best to look for foods that are nutrient dense instead, since these will provide a steady source of energy. Caffeine can actually be a benefit to those with depression– in moderation. However, caffeine can also affect feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress.

job hunting depression

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, in April 2020, the employment rate was a whopping 14.7%. So it’s not a great leap to be concerned about the mental health toll the pandemic and unemployment rates are taking on us all. It’s not uncommon to experience symptoms of depression when you’re unemployed https://remotemode.net/ or struggling financially. Be sure to take time for yourself and focus on self care and doing some of the things that you enjoy. If you focus solely on your job hunt and your prospects, your feelings are much more so tied to your job and can, in turn, affect your psyche and motivation.

Don’t take rejection personally

It is very common to feel ashamed about being unemployed, especially if it’s your first time dealing with unemployment. This can cause people to avoid social situations, or to hide their employment situation from friends and family. One often-overlooked aspect of job search depression is that many job seekers experience a loss of identity.

  • But what is important is that you find ways to move forward and learn something new from every rejection you have faced.
  • Recognizing the signs of job search depression and addressing it are critical for your mental and emotional well-being.
  • The answer may not be obvious, and if you can’t pinpoint the issue, then it’s worth doing a quick refresh of your application materials and online presence.

You are not required to disclose your mental health struggles to prospective employers. In fact, the Americans With Disabilities Act considers clinical depression a protected disability, which means you can’t legally be discriminated against because of your depression. If you’re facing unemployment and dealing with depression, the desire to crawl under your covers and never leave the house again can be strong.

Coping With Anxiety Through Journaling

These stories are but two examples of how job search depression can manifest, spotlighting the need for empathy, awareness, and resources to address this issue effectively. You want to get people to notice you and your talents, and then welcome you to the fold. Losing your job and dealing with a long job search can make you feel unwanted, but it’s important to remember that this is just temporary.

While you’re plugging away at your ultimate goal—finding the right job—add smaller, more immediate goals along the way. Accomplishing tasks you set out to do, however small they may seem, can kick-start your confidence and motivation. You’ve probably heard the advice to “treat the job search like a job” and this approach can be a good one for your mental health. Looking for a job can be a challenge, even in the best circumstances. When you put in a lot of time and effort and don’t immediately see the results you hoped for, you may start to feel discouraged, anxious, or even depressed.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. If you need an accommodation to participate in the recruitment/selection process, contact the Office of Human Resources. For a list of current job vacancies with the FWC, visit the State’s Jobs Web site and follow the prompts. Psychological disorders are often portrayed as all-consuming and incapacitating, and this is often the case. People with functional depression, on the other hand, get up every day, dress, go to work or school, and often appear to be doing well on the outside while suffering on the inside. Things I used to love doing, such as reading or cooking or walking the dog, becomes a drain on my mind.

job hunting depression

Instead of getting wrapped up in “what if” thoughts, harness the power of positive self-talk. Make a list of job postings you’re applying for, with information like interview dates, contact details, and interview questions you’d like to ask. Review and reflect on the situation and build a personal development plan. Besides pressure from those around you, the pressure you put on yourself can cause you to have unrealistic expectations. And when you don’t meet them, you’ll only harbor more mental and physical stress, as well as burnout and physical exhaustion.

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