Unemployment, depression, and feeling completely lost can be overwhelming and challenging experiences to navigate. It is important to acknowledge that these feelings are valid and that you are not alone in facing them. This article aims to provide guidance and support for individuals going through these struggles, offering insights on coping strategies, seeking help, and exploring new opportunities.
Unemployment can have a profound impact on one’s mental and emotional well-being. The loss of a job often comes with a sense of loss of identity, financial instability, and feelings of inadequacy or rejection. Additionally, the daily routine and sense of purpose that employment provides can be sorely missed, leading to a sense of aimlessness and confusion. All these factors can contribute to the development or worsening of depressive symptoms.
Depression, a common and serious mental health condition, is characterized by feelings of persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, low energy, trouble concentrating, and even thoughts of self-harm or suicide. When combined with the difficulties of unemployment, depression can become a debilitating cycle that perpetuates negative emotions and hampers one’s ability to actively seek employment or make positive changes in their lives.
If you find yourself in this situation, it is essential to reach out for support. Remember, there is no shame in seeking help, and numerous resources are available to assist you through these challenging times. Here are a few steps you can take to start finding your way back to a happier and more fulfilling life:
1. Acknowledge and accept your feelings: Recognize that it is normal to feel down, lost, and overwhelmed during periods of unemployment. Acknowledging your emotions and accepting them as valid is an essential step towards healing.
2. Seek professional help: Consulting with a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, can be an invaluable step in coping with depression and other emotional challenges. These professionals can provide guidance, support, and therapeutic interventions tailored to your specific needs.
3. Reach out to friends and family: The support of loved ones can make a significant difference in your journey towards healing. Confide in them, share your struggles, and allow them to offer their support and encouragement. Sometimes, simply having someone to talk to can provide immense relief.
4. Join a support group: Consider joining a support group for individuals experiencing unemployment or depression. Connecting with others who have faced or are currently facing similar challenges can provide a sense of community, empathy, and shared experiences. Many groups also offer resources and strategies for coping and finding employment opportunities.
5. Take care of your physical health: Engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and ensuring adequate sleep can significantly impact your mental well-being. Physical activity releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood boosters, and promotes better sleep, while a healthy diet nourishes the brain and body, supporting overall well-being.
6. Develop a routine: Establishing a daily routine with planned activities and goals can give structure to your days and help you better manage your time. This structure can emulate the sense of purpose and productivity that employment often provides. Set realistic goals for yourself, breaking them down into smaller, achievable steps.
7. Explore new hobbies and interests: Use this period of unemployment to try out new hobbies or explore areas of interest that you may not have had time for previously. Engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment can help boost your mood and provide a sense of purpose outside of work.
8. Volunteer or participate in community activities: Contributing to your community and helping others in need can be incredibly rewarding and uplifting. Volunteering not only allows you to make a positive impact but also provides opportunities to develop new skills, network with individuals in various industries, and potentially discover new career paths.
9. Improve your skills and knowledge: Consider taking advantage of the extra time you have by enrolling in online courses, attending workshops, or gaining certifications related to your field or areas of interest. Enhancing your skills can make you more marketable to potential employers and broaden your career prospects.
10. Update your resume and online presence: Take the time to revamp your resume, ensuring it is up to date, clear, and tailored to the type of job you are seeking. Also, pay attention to your online presence, such as your LinkedIn profile or personal website. Highlight your skills, achievements, and any relevant experience to make a positive impression on potential employers.
11. Network and seek out opportunities: Utilize your professional and personal networks to explore job opportunities. Attend networking events, connect with industry professionals on social media, participate in online forums or discussion boards related to your field of interest. Networking can lead to valuable connections, informational interviews, or even job offers.
12. Consider career counseling or vocational training: Career counselors can provide guidance on career choices, help you identify your strengths and interests, and assist in formulating a solid career plan. Vocational training programs can also equip you with specialized skills for specific industries or jobs, increasing your employability.
13. Embrace temporary or part-time work: If you are struggling to find full-time employment, consider temporary or part-time work. While these roles might not be your ideal choice, they can provide income, valuable experience, and networking opportunities that may lead to more permanent positions.
14. Stay positive and practice self-compassion: It is crucial to maintain a positive mindset and be kind to yourself during this challenging period. Celebrate small victories and acknowledge your efforts, regardless of the outcome. Recognize that setbacks are a part of any journey and that your worth is not defined by your employment status.
Remember, unemployment and depression do not define your worth as an individual. It is essential to seek professional help, build a support system, and actively engage in self-care activities. By taking proactive steps towards improving your mental well-being, acquiring new skills, and exploring opportunities, you can gradually regain a sense of purpose and reclaim control of your life. Keep pushing forward, and remember that brighter days lie ahead.
You need to find a job first, career second. No, you’re not worrying too much. You should be worrying. Start getting income.
Are you under the care of a mental health professional?
Honestly it sounds like you are in a great position to take care of yourself. I can understand your feelings of depression but it sounds like you’ve accomplished so much! The best thing you can do for yourself is make an appointment with your general doctor and tell them your feelings. You have time for therapy and that’s the thing that would help you the most.
Just look into doing anything for a Job. just do it for the check. the worse part about depression is how it makes you feel stuck. getting out and doing something will help. even if you feel the job is beneath you just find something to do and use it to learn more about society and how to act in it. Look into volunteering to help build connections that may get you better jobs and maybe one day you will find that one that will be your career. maybe look into the local area for trades job training like electrical or plumbing.
Did you have a job in mind when you pursued those degrees?
A therapist will probably require a bunch of pre-reqs before you can even apply for a Master’s program. I don’t think you’re in the position to pursue another degree right now when you’re already $40K in the hole.
I was also unable to find work in my field after I graduated with a BS in Biology in 2009. It took me a few years before I finally got another degree and a job. But at least I was working the whole time as a cashier. You need a real job- one that pays more than $200/mo.
In a worse situation here even though I’m employed but not mentally atleast so I’d say you’re doing just fine for the moment but try to bring yourself up and start a job again.. slowly and gradually things will get better.
What kind of therapist? Mental health? Physical? Occupational? Speech? Any of those are going to require extra schooling.
Here’s what I suggest…
* get out of the funk long enough to interview and snag a job
* look for jobs in the space you want to be a therapist in. Obviously you can’t be a therapist without training, but you can be a front office worker, or a back office worker, or assistant. I want you to worth *with* therapists before you commit any money to more schooling
* bonus points if you can find a job where they’ll spend some of their dollars to send you to school.
Get a job on a cruise ship. Not as a life-long career choice, but to get you out of your rut, interact with people and generate some positive cash flow.
You can always come work at the post office😈
I wasn’t entirely clear on which of your debts have t highest interest percent. That’s OK! Identify the top-lowest interest % for each debt, and commit to paying down the highest to a certain monthly amount. For example, one cc charges 21.99% while another charges 18.99%. Always pay down the highest first. In parallel…distribute a certain (even smaller) amount into a separate account for your future. You decide how much. If you cover the back-story but commit to the future, you will get there.
14k in savings? You’re doing amazingly well.
I’d suggest Costco if there’s one nearby. You’ll soon not be eligible for your parent’s medical insurance and they offer it and you’ll feel more accomplished with a job, even if it’s not a career. Then you can tackle next steps.
Hi OP! Great work planning on making a change. You’ve got this. I agree that in your case, it is wise to get a job first, and career second. Service workers and Drivers are desperately needed everywhere. If you don’t want to do post office mail delivery or delivery prep (noted in other comment), consider service work: restaurant worker or barista, for driving consider driving for your local public transit agency, UPS, or FedEx.
Are you seeing a therapist for your depression? At 24, I think you still have health insurance coverage under your parents plan. Find a therapist to start talking to about your persistent thoughts and feelings. If you can’t find a therapist, I got a lot out of listening to “the feeling good podcast” with dry david burns from the beginning to episode 100 or so.
Join the National Guard, get paid for training, pick all sorts of jobs. Won’t kill your self with work.
Stop doing drugs, stop drinking alcohol, find a way of living that is stress free.
The older I get the more I realized about how much stress we put on ourselves when we are younger. Also not focusing on what really matters. My peace and the present moment are all that matter to me in my early 40s. Life is too short for anything else. Have patience and don’t be so hard on yourself. Yes, you should get a job, but keep your possibilities open when you have one. You won’t always be stuck in this moment. Try to enjoy what you can while reaching for your goals. I wish somebody would have told me that when I was in your exact place. Life is not permanent, everything changes all the time.
Get into the new income driven repayment plan. If you’re unemployed, your payments will likely be $0, and will still count as making on-time payments.
Go to target or walmart. Get a job.
Legal Aide, paralegal, or some other law related work that doesn’t require a license or advanced degree?
Can you apply for the SAVE program for your student loans; possibly to reduce your student loan payments?
Online/remote work?
Those aren’t useless degrees at all! I also double-majored, and one of my majors was German. I ended up getting hired as an administrative assistant for a German-based engineering company, where being bilingual was a prerequisite. It was a good gig for a few years while I figured out what I really wanted to do. Look around for jobs in your area that part of a French or Canadian company.
Have you considered entering the military? You’re young, and I assume with a gym membership you’re somewhat physically active. That’s a good start. You also have a college degree, which could possibly qualify you for OCS/OTS. You would also be able to choose a career path as a therapist. Also, I believe most branches offer some sort of student debt forgiveness. You would also be able to further your education if you so choose.
A friend of mine had a successful career in the Air Force. She went in at twenty-two with a BA in psychology, did 20 years, travelled the world, earned her masters degree on their dime, and retired as a Lt. Colonel. Now she is chief medical director of her hometown hospital, earning six-figures on top of her Air Force pension.
Not too shabby.
Move to DC you will be making $150k a year or hanging with homeless peeps with the same background. Or become a plumber.
Is there anyway you can transition from Online Tutoring to Online Therapy? Therapy has become more widely normalized and accepted as stigma fades and studies have shown that Online Therapy is just as effective as in person therapy. And we’ve taken a shift in the direction of being shut ins due to advancements in technology and that was further exacerbated by the pandemic, so “business” should be booming in this field.
I think it might be a reliable source of income ontop of being a cathartic way of helping yourself by helping others.
Are your student loans all federal? If so, please apply to the SAVE program and ignore them while you get your feet on the ground. Agree with the others here. You’re going to be OK. Stick with the gym, find some temporary work that gets you out of the house and spend some time thinking about what the right career path is for you.
>Am I worrying way too much here? I really feel lost and completely screwed.
Yes, you are. It is not rational to be this fearful over $250/month. Even if you had to pay $250/month for the rest of your life on the debt, it’s not ideal but it’s going to be fine.
>My monthly expense of $250 will eat away at my emergency fund, and anything I gain is eaten up by it aswell.
Let’s look at the facts and break it down because you sound overwhelmed and anxious, and I’m sorry you’re going through that. I am the same way, and numbers and facts being written out very clearly always help me feel more in control/safe.
Your 14,300 in EF, if eaten away by your $250/month payment, would last for 57 months. 57 months! The odds of this actually playing out are basically zero, but if it did? You would have 57 months to get your shit together. You CAN get your shit together in 57 months. I believe in you, and I know it is not nearly as bad as it probably seems to you right now in your depression.
Your mental health issues are lying to you and telling you that it is hopeless because that is what mental illnesses do. It sucks and I know it feels real to you because it’s your own brain telling you this nonsense, but please know it’s not honestly that bad at all. You’ve got a pretty healthy emergency fund considering you have few expenses, and you can absolutely find a way to earn well over $250/month.
I suggest you *add* to your monthly expenses by getting weekly therapy as well as medication if recommended. Your financial situation is honestly *not that bad.* You can get out of this, and it’s not even going to require you to work that much right away. Don’t look at the end destination, look at what you need to do in the next month and do that. Don’t look at “How will I ever pay my debt off?” Look at “How can I get my income up enough so that I can break even, and get therapy?”
Definitely worrying too much. You need some perspective.
First: are you physically healthy? Congratulations! 🎉 You can’t buy health. You have a valuable commodity.
Second: are you young? Awesome! 😎 Being young affords you with many advantages, from being able to avoid ageism, fewer health issues, the ability to make friends and relationships that will last the rest of your life, as well as the ability to screw up over and over again and learn from your mistakes, with plenty of time left to change your life multiple times. This is the best time to do whatever the hell you want and take chances. You have the rest of your life to live still.
Third: do you have a passion? If yes, awesome! Make sure you spend at least some of your time on your passions, it’s what makes life worth living. Do you not have a passion yet? Don’t worry, you’re young, this is when you can branch out and see and do many things and discover them. These will also change over your life, so your passions when you’re 40 will probably be different from those at 20.
Are you lost? Fuck yeah! 🤘 Being lost is the best way to discover things you would never have if you had stayed on a set path. It’s scary of course, and can be dangerous if you’re not prepared, so you can find people who will help you navigate the wilderness. You must want to find your way, though; don’t make people search for you like a rescue operation!
Based on this sub and your comment, it sounds like you’re looking at life in a very practical way; money, job, debt. This is sensible, but not going to give you any motivation to be alive. Even being financially sound, you may still be depressed. You need to discover your own reasons for living and let those be your north star. Money comes and goes; work comes and goes. But the thing you carry with you in the dark of the forest, that makes you want to conquer the wilderness and get home, that’s (to me) the important thing in life.
There’s both professionals and amateurs who will help you with your finances, job prospects, and mental health. Go find them, get help, however you can. But remember that money is just paper, and you don’t need paper to really live. You can work to live, or live to work, but having a connection to a passion (and ideally, people who share it) is what will keep you going when the going gets tough.
(And when I say “passion”, don’t compare your love of something to others; it’s just the thing that you care about deeply, however that presents itself)