Job Search Depression: How to Stay Motivated When Looking for a Job

A mentor can help you with career advice such as how to best present yourself at an interview, but you should refrain from using your mentor as a replacement for a therapist. 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. After all, your former job was likely one of your main motivators to getting out of bed every morning. Your toolbox for getting through depressive episodes may include exercising every day, maintaining a schedule, or ensuring you get a set number of hours of sleep every night.

Why is job searching so exhausting?

The job-hunting process is emotional and comes with plenty of ups (great interviews) and downs (losing a job to another candidate). Even landing a new job may lead to stress over setting your current team members up for success, offboarding, and then onboarding in a new company.

Networking doesn’t always have to happen in a strictly professional setting, either. The connections you make by getting immersed in groups can be invaluable to your career. “Try attending an event or two from several different groups and determine which will be most beneficial before you commit to just one,” Chafel says. Find a mentor to discuss specific job-search challenges not directly related to your depression.

Negative Emotions

Learn about the best 63 industry careers for PhDs . In this eBook, you will gain insight into the most popular, highest-paying jobs for PhDs – all of which will allow you to do meaningful work AND get paid well for it. Taking a few days off from an intensive project like a job search has been shown to alleviate frustration, change perspective, and spark novelty.

  • Recruiters are typically much more comfortable to talk to and interview with than an actual employer.
  • Even if you are an expert, it’s always good to review foundational skills so that when the time comes, you can speak confidently.
  • Found that the longer adults in the U.S remain unemployed, the more likely they were to display signs of low psychological well-being.
  • Don’t let your feelings of hopelessness about your job search cause burnout and emotional exhaustion.
  • The errand boy/ girl; The person everyone banks on to receive home deliveries on workdays, and many other interesting experiences.

And they’re certainly not going to help your psychological well-being. Feeling hopeless about your job search can stem from applying for jobs that aren’t right for you. You might not have the right skills for the job you’re applying for. Or maybe you’re just not the right fit for the company. If you have a health-related condition, you are trying to figure out how to balance work and health.

Should I Quit My Job? 5 Signs You May Be Ready to Resign

overcoming job search depressioning emotionally healthy during such a turbulent time requires patience, positivity and stamina, Cavanaugh says. So plan a night out with a friend to vent and reduce some of your stress. Order takeout and binge your favorite show to help you relax and unwind. Take a long walk with your dogs and follow it up with a warm bath and a good book.

You could also try the anonymous helpline numbers available below if you need to speak to someone urgently but cannot figure out who. The companies that you reach out to don’t know you. All they get to see is a document that highlights your career. Rejection here has nothing to do with your worth as a person but simply the hiring manager’s opinion on your ability to fulfill a role. You need to realize that who you are is more than just what job you do.

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The thought of being in a residential facility was intimidating. I am so glad I had the opportunity to go to D’Amore. The staff were caring, concerned, kind, and dedicated to helping me get better. I am beyond thankful for morning wakeup, daily activities, and lights out.