Job Search Depression: What it is and How to Cope

It’s completely normal to feel frustrated, anxious, and discouraged while looking for a job, but for some people, these emotions can become so overwhelming that they begin to interfere with their daily lives.

If you’re feeling down about your job search and it’s affecting your mood, it’s important to take action to address the problem. In today’s article, we’ll take a look at the signs and some solutions for job search depression.

What is “job search depression”?

Most of us have experienced unhappiness, anxiety, and feelings of self-doubt at some point in our lives. But when those feelings happen for a prolonged period of time, and/or begin to negatively affect our life overall and the people around us, we call that depression.

When those feelings stem from our job search, we call that “job search depression”.

Some of the signs/symptoms of job search depression include:

Loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy
Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Decreased energy levels
Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or other chronic pain
Changes in sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
Changes in appetite, such as a decrease or increase in food intake
Difficulty maintaining personal relationships

It’s important to note that while it may feel impossible to beat job search depression, there are some strategies that can drastically improve or remove those negative emotions.

Seek support from loved ones

It’s important to have a support system during this time, so don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family for emotional support. Sharing your feelings and concerns with someone you trust can help alleviate some of the stress you’re feeling.

Take breaks from job searching

Constantly searching for job openings and sending out applications can be mentally exhausting. Make sure to take breaks and engage in activities that you enjoy. This will help you recharge and come back to the job search with a fresh perspective.

Practice self-care

It’s easy to neglect your physical and emotional well-being during the job search process, but it’s important to prioritize self-care. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat well, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Set achievable goals

It’s important to have a plan and set goals for your job search, but it’s also important to be realistic. If you set unrealistic goals, you may become discouraged when you don’t meet them. Instead, try setting small, achievable goals that you can work towards. This will help you stay motivated and feel a sense of accomplishment.

Seek professional help

If your job search depression is severe or persistent, it may be helpful to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can help you work through your emotions and provide coping strategies to manage the stress of the job search. And organizations like META can offer you support to make your search simpler, safer, and less stressful.

Conclusion

Remember, it’s normal to feel frustrated and anxious during the job search process, but if these emotions become overwhelming, it’s important to take action to address the problem.

Job Search Depression: What it is and How to Cope