7 tips to avoid unemployment depression
Being unemployed not only damages our economic capacity, it also affects our mental health.
The unemployment rate is worrying in Spain, and in fact stands at almost 20% of the population. This is one of the most worrying problems for Spaniards, who, since the economic crisis that began in 2008, have seen how job insecurity has become a reality in our country.
However, unemployment not only has material consequences on purchasing power. It also entails a higher risk of suffering depressive symptoms..
Psychology and unemployment
Surely, the first thing that comes to mind when we become unemployed is the loss of income we suffer, and how economic problems can significantly alter our lives. The truth is that being unemployed not only affects our pocketbook, but also causes serious problems on a personal level.but also causes serious psychological problems. Experts even speak of a phenomenon called "unemployment depression".
The psychological consequences of being unemployed are not only suffered by the person who is unemployed, but also by his or her family. but also his or her family.. You can check it out in the article "Parents' unemployment causes depression and anxiety in children, according to a study", where psychologist Jonathan García-Allen delves into these consequences and how they affect the life of an unemployed person.
What is unemployment depression
Unemployment depression arises when the person has been unemployed for several months. and perceives that the situation is beyond him or her. The initial "shock" of being out of work may be compounded by repeated unsuccessful attempts to find employment.
The person's self-esteem suffers, as the individual may experienceThe individual may experience that he or she is practically never called for job interviews despite having submitted thousands of resumes. This situation discourages the person, who feels guilt and failure for the path his or her life is taking.
Symptoms of this mental alteration.
The depression for unemployment presents a series of symptoms that we show you next.
1. Learned helplessness
Being unemployed for a long time can burn out a person in such a way that his or her own resources are exhausted. Every day that passes without finding a job and not seeing any results The accumulation of frustration in the face of their efforts sends the message to the individual that no matter what they do, their situation will not change. This accumulation of frustrations can lead the individual to suffer from learned helplessness.
2. Low self-esteem
This very delicate situation leads the person to value him/herself negatively, as he/she tends to feel guilty despite the fact that the unemployment situation has a structural cause. Low self-esteem also affects their self-confidence.and the person feels more and more like a failure.
3. Somatic symptoms
Psychological distress can lead to physical symptoms. Headaches, sleeping difficulties, sexual problems, stomach discomfort, stomach aches, anxiety and depression.stomach discomfort, etc., can be some of the consequences of depression due to unemployment.
4. Bad habits
Over time, the person becomes more and more lazy. It is difficult to follow healthy habits, such as physical exercise or poor nutrition. In fact, it can even lead to using addictive substances such as drugs or alcohol to avoid facing to avoid facing reality and the problems that arise in their lives.
5. Other symptoms
Other symptoms such as anxiety the apathy, the demotivation or the aggressive conducts can appear when a person suffers depression by unemployment.
What to do to prevent this very delicate situation
Being unemployed is a very stressful life event, since it has not only personal but also social consequences. But what can we do to avoid falling into depression when we do not have a job? Here are some tips.
Keep a positive attitude and do not lose hope.
Don't let panic take over and stay positive. The options may not appear at the first sign of change, but if you keep looking for a job, something may come up. On a personal level, stay active and continue practicing a hobby, as it will help you disconnect and keep your mind busy.It will help you to disconnect and keep your mind busy.
2. Know yourself
You may not really know yourself in depth. Find out what you're good at so you have a better chance of success in your job search. Once you know who you are, then you'll be able to better sell yourself and someone may be interested in hiring you..
3. Control your spending
Often times, unemployment depression sets in because of the pace of life we live. Y it is logical that economic worries lead us to suffer from anxiety, stress and depression.stress and depression.
There are cases in which it is not possible to remedy the financial difficulties, but in other cases it is a matter of mentality. in other cases it is a question of mentality.. Eliminate from your expenses everything that is not a priority in your life and adopt another way of thinking.
4. Seek help
Although the welfare state has suffered a great crisis, there are still governmental or local aids that can allow you to reduce the problems that have appeared in this delicate moment of your life. As far as possible, exhaust this avenue.
5. Get training
If you have the possibility of training... do it! Don't waste time standing still, Be proactive not only in your job search but also in your personal development.. Nowadays it is not necessary to go to educational centers, you can study online. So if you can afford it, you have no excuse for not continuing your training.
6. Surround yourself with your loved ones
In this delicate situation it is a good time to surround yourself with the people who love you most. You may need to tell them how you feel or just have a good time. Count on them now when you need them.
7. Seek psychological help
Sometimes, getting out of this situation of hopelessness is not easy, and it is necessary to receive psychological support. There are good professionals who can be of great help when you begin to feel the downside of this situation. You can learn about the best psychology clinics in the article "The 10 best psychology and psychotherapy clinics" that may be useful for you.
Tips for finding a job
If you want some tips to find a job, in the article "I don't have a job: 7 expert tips to find one" you can discover the best strategies to get back to work after being unemployed.
(Updated at Apr 12 / 2024)