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I am unemployed and depressed, how can I stop depression from affecting my job search?

185 Answers
Last Updated: 05/14/2022 at 8:25pm
I am unemployed and depressed, how can I stop depression from affecting my job search?
1 Tip to Feel Better
United Kingdom
Moderated by

Tanyia Hughes, Adv Dip Psy

Psychotherapist

I have been through a lot in life too, which helps me to be able to empathize with situations, thoughts and feelings that we have. Sometimes, it's not easy just being human.

Top Rated Answers
positiveForever73
April 25th, 2018 2:35am
Try to apply to at least 2-3 places a day. Call and follow up. Make it your goal. Keep a log of the places you’re following up on. Etc. This keeps you motivated and shows you orogresss and can help you out of the slum. Don’t forget what you are worth.
Anonymous
May 22nd, 2018 11:15pm
Have you tried going to the doctors? Speaking to family and friends? Always try to replace a negative emotion with a positive one.
delicateZebra
June 30th, 2018 11:18am
Make some time each day to complete this, Choose a time where you know you do not feel as bad during the day, get a cup of tea and sit down and spend half hour focusing, I would also recommend seeing a doctor in regards to this
Asame
July 26th, 2018 12:08am
Mantain focus on what's most important for you: your goals and your dreams, not bad moments. You can do it.
electricPoetry61
December 14th, 2018 4:27pm
Join a professional course, even if it is a small one. That will add to your CV and make you feel like you need to get out of bed and be in a setting where you interact with others. That will make you feel better and the depression will be at bay for a while. Another good thing could be to set a pattern for yourself. Wake up a certain time, eat meals on time and go to the gym. This will feel like a work pattern and make you more energised for the job search. Good luck and wish you well.
Anonymous
October 5th, 2019 2:41pm
hey, take a quick break. just relax, don't make it to quick. go out with your friends, enjoy life like meditation. talk to somebody who was expert with job search and the most important take a breath. the best way to stop the stress was be relax. the job will come to our by itself (but don't stop searching) if we stress to much, the job that will come to ours either we like it or not we will accept it. so make a wise decision before jump to the job. If we can relax a bit and not stress it to much it won't affect the job search
Anonymous
August 21st, 2020 5:14pm
This is a very difficult situation to be in. Depression is not easy to deal with. It can cause you feel unmotivated to job hunt, especially if you feel like you're not getting anywhere. The search itself can be overwhelming, so there are a few things to help make things a bit easier. 1) Taking breaks during your job search. Partake in activities like cooking, baking, taking a walk, etc. Don't just dedicate your time towards job searching. However, find some balance. It's easy to get comfortable with these activities. 2) Talk to someone, whether it be a friend, family member, career advisor, or anonymously in a chat. This will help you get your feelings off your chest and give people an idea of what you're going through. 3) Set some goals for yourself for your job search. For example, work on your resume and polish it up to the best of your ability(maybe have someone you know review your resume). 3) Educate yourself during these tough times. There are free courses(and sometimes free certifications!) available online that provide you the knowledge of certain industries and what skills you should have. Utilizing these resources in your down time can help give you some confidence and self-esteem.
WeAreSanctuary00
September 23rd, 2020 1:45pm
Take breaks from computer search by being helpful in the physical world, in an organization. It will make you feel better, and people actually prefer to hire those they know and like (and have seen in person) Delete social media from devices: they increase depression and make you waste time & procrastinate. Also, allow yourself to read news only after 5pm. This way, you will not be dragged down by them before having accomplished what you had to do. See job search as a job: dedicate at least solid 4 hours to network and write cover letters and tweak your resume. And remember: hours you spend on social media, reading news or playing games don’t count as “work”!
BernadetteBee
October 24th, 2020 10:28pm
It's not easy getting employed in these times and it makes it much harder for those of us with depression to keep a positive outlook while searching for jobs. I am not here to give advice but to limit how much depression affects your job search try to paint a picture of what you want your life to look like in a year or two, see the benefits to being employed and what that means to you. Build upon that desire for success daily with positive affirmations and mantras, strive for that picture you are working towards and focus on the goals!
Malanie
November 8th, 2020 12:22am
This is something I'm dealing with too. I try to keep depression from affecting by job search by making small achievable goals for myself. For example, I make sure I eat breakfast and put on a fresh set of clothes. Then I'm more likely to let the momentum take me toward bigger tasks, like searching/applying for jobs. I try to feel as normal as possible using all the coping mechanisms I have, then go at the job search during that relief stage. Being unemployed is stressful, especially with depression. Remember you're doing the best you can and I'm proud of you.
magiktoes
December 11th, 2015 4:40am
Try to set smaller goals to motivate yourself. Write down a list of quests (I think having a quest list is more appealing than a to-do list personally) ie "print resumes" "apply to four jobs" etc. For me, doing little things to keep myself occupied and feeling like I'm making progress helps me ward off depression. Celebrate all your victories, even if you haven't found a job yet, setting yourself up for potential options is still a victory.
SentimentalSinbad
December 11th, 2015 3:09pm
Remain diligent in your search for a job, and understand that once you attain it, it'll be another distraction from your depression.
Ev3rlastingHope
December 12th, 2015 6:15pm
Just relax you will get your dream job no matter how long it takes. Not all good things come easily and try be patient not to handle what is waiting for you inappropriate.
Anonymous
December 17th, 2015 7:59am
You can try setting yourself daily goals to apply for x number of jobs a day. even if its just 1 or two a day as you have to adjust your cv/covering letter accordingly. Keep persisting as the job market is slowly improving.
KennethZ
December 26th, 2015 12:46am
Ever heard of the term fake it til you make it? Well thats kind of how I go about it. It can be really difficult to muster up the motivation to actively seek out employment when you're depressed, because well ya know it's difficult to do anything. When you're unemployed, make job searching a full time job. Set goals for yourself, such as a number of resumes/applications to send out per day. Increase the goal with each day, and the sense of accomplishment from meeting your goal may help to curb some of the lackluster drab of feeling depressed. Talk to other unemployed people, hold them accountable to meet their goal and have them do the same for you.
salomons
December 31st, 2015 8:47am
How do you make yourself depressed? Stand up and work on being happy. Happiness is an attitude. Get a new mindset and have fun in LIFE.
Anonymous
December 31st, 2015 7:51pm
Clean yourself up a little bit and associate yourself with people more often. Learn to not care so much about depressing situations. Do what you love. Set hourly "ticks" for modivation, such as "In one hour I'll eat lunch. I like lunch" Start looking for things to look foward to. Finally when you think you are ready try to get a job, see if your friends or family can help you get a job. Most people are willing to help other people out if they know them. Hope this helps, SM
Anonymous
January 2nd, 2016 3:35am
Start finding new job opportunities, create a new resume and write down all the latest details to increase the chances of getting job. Start thinking about your interview and your depression will decrease, start thinking that you are giving the best interview of your life in your dream company and you are good to go. Hope this helps.
heavenHope48
January 2nd, 2016 4:03am
Stay positive and know that you are going to be a great employee wherever go get hired. Don't let the depression hold you back from the amazing things you are capable of.
Doc3Mar
January 7th, 2016 11:05am
Each job is a new chance. If you don't hear back from one, scratch it off your list. Apply to a variety of jobs that interest you, even if only a little bit. I applied to jobs I knew I'd get (McDonalds, gas stations, etc) just so I would get a few positive replies to boost my confidence for jobs that I actually wanted.
Anonymous
January 7th, 2016 12:53pm
Try to think of the positives the job search can bring you. Stability, friendship, adventure, money.
reservedexcitment
January 9th, 2016 3:04am
Try to detach yourself from the whole thing, think of it as a numbers game, as long as you get out one resume a day, someone will hear your knocks and open a door. It has nothing tk do with you, its all about how often your resume shows up. Networking is a hundred more times effective than sending out resumes. Everyone is frustrated with job searching even the employers hate hiring, its time consuming.
Anonymous
January 13th, 2016 4:44am
Volunteer for a cause that you (preferably agree) with, like a soup kitchen, or a political campaign.
Anonymous
January 22nd, 2016 9:13am
You don't have to worry or get depressed about a Job, it is a big world and you can search without being depressed
delightfulLake98
January 22nd, 2016 11:11am
Get into a cycle that resembles a work schedule: get up at ~8am, and to bed ~midnight. This also helps to get into the mindset that looking for a job, is a job.
devilsOrchestra
January 22nd, 2016 2:51pm
have you thought about doing some voluntary work within your local community? it will give you a boost as you will be doing something proactive and it will also give your CV a boost and show employers your active and willing to work.
Anonymous
January 23rd, 2016 9:37pm
assess what you are depressed about. most often people feel depressed as their life and values aren't in balance. follow the path that makes you the happiest and don't let other's opinions distract you from achieving your goals. i believe in you ;)
Anonymous
January 23rd, 2016 10:05pm
you should be positive and not over think about being unemployed and look calmly for jobs. And ignore negative thoughts
Anonymous
January 29th, 2016 6:38pm
You should go and be setaundes by supporting people and think about things you like to do , and maybe look for a job in the subject
EternalButterfly13
February 5th, 2016 4:17am
Always look on the bright side of things! Everything will turn out okay in the end when is comes to jobs.