Unemployment Stress

You are not alone if you are suffering from unemployment stress, signing on at a job centre and applying for job after job can have a huge effect on your mental health.

The media do not help with unemployment issues as they seem to put unemployed people in the same bracket. Yes of course there are some people who are happy with their situation and have no intention of changing it, but for others it can be a depressing place to be.

Money worries can be demoralising and your self esteem will suffer if you allow it to get you down.  The job applications can be daunting and time consuming for what seems like a waste of time, energy and effort when you don’t even get acknowledgement that your application arrived to the right department, let alone result in an interview.

Try to remember you’re not the only one in this situation and eventually things will change. If you apply for jobs daily and this is getting you down, maybe apply for them a couple of times a week so that you manage to take yourself away from the stress of application forms! Jobs normally having a deadline date so you won’t miss out.

Here are some tips to help with stress:

Try to avoid being impatient and learn you can’t control the unemployment situation.

Don’t try to do everything at once, plan your week ahead, and apply for jobs every other day to give your brain a rest from the constant stress.

If you’re becoming bored and agitated maybe volunteer for a local charity, this will give you a purpose until the right position comes along.

Exercise as this is a good way to relax and make you feel good about yourself. It doesn’t have to cost money, walking is a good form of exercise or jogging, if you own a bike you could cycle.

Take up a hobby; this will give you well earned time out from job hunting. Also rest and relax as anxiety can take its toll. Just because you are out of work doesn’t mean you’re lazy! Join a library and read more.

Join an adult education class and work towards learning a new career.

Avoid smoking and drinking as these can make you more anxious if not used in moderation. Eat healthily, and slowly.

This may not come easy to you but being unemployed can take a toll on your stress levels, so make sure you take care of yourself, because when that job does eventually come along, you want to be able to take it on and enjoy it.

info

The views expressed in this article are those of the author. All articles published on Counselling Directory are reviewed by our editorial team.

Share this article with a friend
Image
Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15
Image
Image
Written by Christine Elvin
Accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist/Anxiety Therapist
location_on Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15
I specialise in anxiety due to my own personal experiences. My practice is in Sevenoaks. I work four days a week, Monday to Thursday and three evenings a week. I am an accredited member of the BACP and have had my practice for 10 years.
Image

Find the right counsellor or therapist for you

location_on

task_alt All therapists are verified professionals

task_alt All therapists are verified professionals