How to do Job Search while Dealing with Depression

How to do Job Search while Dealing with DepressionDepression is a serious mental illness that goes beyond simply feeling lonely or sad. It’s a more severe condition that can disrupt a person’s career, relationships, and daily routine. The causes and symptoms of depression may vary per person but generally speaking, it’s when you find it difficult to focus or concentrate; or you can’t find reasons to be joyful and positive because everything seems hopeless; or your energy levels are too low and getting out of bed each morning feels like a chore.

 

 

Depression isn’t something you can just easily snap out of. And it could even be so much worse when it happens while you’re looking for a job. So how do you go on with your job search while dealing with depression? Here are some tips to help get you through.

Give yourself a break
If you recently left your previous company, regardless of the reason, you’d do yourself a favor by taking a break instead of immediately diving into the job search process. It doesn’t mean you have to go on a grand vacation or take a week-long trip to the beach (although you can if you want to!). The important thing is that you take some time to relax and rest so you can approach the job hunt with a fresh mind and renewed perspective.

Look at job search from a different perspective
Instead of feeling sorry for yourself because of the fact that you’re currently unemployed, it would help a lot to approach your job search differently and with a positive mindset. In fact, your job search journey may even alleviate your depressive symptoms because it might give you a rush of excitement and positivity about a new chapter that is yet to unfold.

There are times, however, when the excitement fades away especially when you start getting rejections. But you don’t have to let it get the better of you. It might affect your emotional and mental stability but always go back to the fact that it doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. Talk to your friends and family. Tap on your support system. Pick yourself up again because the best is yet to come.

Remember that this phase in your life is temporary
Transitioning to a new job is a normal part of any adult’s life and there’s nothing wrong with being temporarily unemployed. The important thing is you don’t dwell on the negative side of your situation. There’s always a bright side in everything. Besides using the free time you have for looking for a more ideal job that can bring you more happiness and satisfaction, you can also spend this time to enjoy with your loved ones or do the things you love.

Take extra care of yourself
If there’s anything you need to best deal with depression while doing a job search, it is a stronger you - both physically and mentally. This means that you have to take very good care of yourself. Eat healthy, make time for working out and exercising, and get ample sleep.

 

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Alan Carniol

Alan is the creator of Interview Success Formula, a training program that has helped more than 80,000 job seekers to ace their interviews and land the jobs they deserve. Interviewers love asking curveball questions to weed out job seekers. But the truth is, most of these questions are asking about a few key areas. Learn more about how to outsmart tough interviewers by watching this video.