UnemploymentStruggles #MentalHealthMatters #YouAreNotAlone
Understanding the Impact of Unemployment on Mental Health
Feeling hopeless and distressed due to unemployment is a profound and often under-discussed issue that can lead to severe emotional distress, including suicidal thoughts. For a young adult like the 24-year-old woman who shared, "24F this is no way to live, I can’t bear living like a burden not contributing to society being stripped of dignity is something nobody talks about with unemployment," the feelings of being a burden and losing one’s sense of worth can be overwhelming.
The Hidden Struggles of Unemployment
The Emotional Toll
- Loss of Purpose: Unemployment often strips away the sense of purpose and self-worth that comes from contributing to society.
- Social Isolation: Without a job, social interactions can decrease, leading to feelings of isolation.
- Financial Stress: The pressure to make ends meet without a stable income can be immense.
The Silent Pain
- Feeling Like a Burden: The notion of being a burden to loved ones can contribute to feelings of shame and worthlessness.
- Dignity and Self-Respect: Losing a job often means losing the respect and identity associated with that role.
Coping Mechanisms and Support Systems
Seeking Professional Help
- Therapists and Counselors: Mental health professionals can offer strategies and support for coping with unemployment-related distress.
- Support Groups: Joining groups where you can share experiences and gain support from others in similar situations can be incredibly beneficial.
Practical Steps to Take
- Skill Development: Enroll in courses or online classes to learn new skills or improve existing ones.
- Networking: Attend local events or join online forums related to your field of interest to increase employment opportunities.
Finding Hope and Rebuilding Self-Worth
Personal Development
- Volunteer Work: Contributing to community projects or volunteer work can provide a sense of purpose and improve self-esteem.
- Hobbies and Interests: Engage in hobbies or interests that bring joy and a sense of accomplishment.
Positive Self-Talk
- Affirmations: Regularly practice positive affirmations to reinforce self-worth and positive thinking.
- Journaling: Write down daily achievements and positive experiences to remind yourself of your value.
Resources Available
Online Platforms
- Job Search Websites: Platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor offer numerous job listings and networking opportunities.
- Mental Health Apps: Apps such as Headspace, Calm, and BetterHelp provide mental health support and mindfulness exercises.
Community Resources
- Career Counseling: Local agencies often offer free career counseling and workshops.
- Financial Aid: Explore government programs or local charities that provide financial assistance during times of unemployment.
Conclusion
Feeling suicidal over unemployment is a serious concern, but it’s essential to remember that help is available and there is a path forward. You’re not alone, and taking proactive steps can make a significant difference. Reach out, connect with others, and engage in activities that restore your sense of purpose and self-worth. Remember, your current situation does not define your future. 🌟
Find people to talk to. Things are tough but they won’t stay that way. Times always change.
I’ve had thoughts but thankfully I have a pretty strong support system and they’ve been very helpful. I also kind of keep living out of spite.
Unfortunately the only ways to get jobs nowadays are to lie (or at least embellish) or know a C-suite executive.
If you need someone to talk to, my DMs are open.
1. Get out of the house every day.
2. Get a project started. Study for a cert. Write a book. Garden. Knit. Learn to code. Something.
3. Antidepressants.
4. Be kind to yourself.
Unemployment is not a reason not to live
I feel you but try to keep in mind society kind of sucks
When I was unemployed, I kept myself busy by doing creative things like making music, taking a few weeks break from job hunting from time to time and got myself on decent antidepressants so I could have the energy to go out more etc.
It’s tough, but got there in the end.
Was in the same deal…went to my doctor…she is incredibly understanding…put me on some good meds that, after a couple of weeks…helped me get to some sort of normal!
When I was neeting, I don’t care if I care contribute to the society or not. Now that I am employ I still don’t care about the not contributing to the society. The society does not care about you. I was neeting for 2 yrs after graduating with a cs degree. I was scam by the university saying stem = good employment. (I am from Canada) What I learn from my neeting experience is your peers are always your competitors and have crab mentality so they won’t tell you shit. You gonna do what you have to do to survive and hustle. Do OF, lie on resume. What I pass time as a neet was self-study, subbing yugoslav war songs, filing complaints, self-publish a short story called Canadian Civil war and create a visual novel out of it.
I have been unemployed since I graduated last year and to tell you honestly, I had two or three times that I even got barrels in my mouth and hands on the trigger. I live every single damn day feeling like a waste of resources and a burden of the earth. But I am still living today and sitting here typing these words to you which means I eventually gave up handing my life away. I still sit in the house every day because going anywhere would consume gas, eating only one meal because I didn’t want to consume too much food.
Life is such a hell. But I gotta tell you, live.
It’s unfair to say that living is the only solution to everything, but death is the elimination of every chance.
When you are unemployed you seem to be dumped out of this society; everyone goes to work, pays their bills, and lives their pace, but being workless is like a total derail. So if you can, try to talk to someone else, friends or anyone in real life would be much better than talking online. But if you do feel like talking, feel free to DM me.
Some days, yeah. In a couple of months I’ll be looking at two years because my field is completely fucked.
The only thing I can say is have a support system. That’s the only thing that has helped.
I really hope it does get better. For you, me, and all of us.
sorry you are going through this. Have you thought about jumping on seeking and getting some side money and some great travel while you get through all this? Perhaps it is time to think about moving across the country/ out of state?