How to Beat the Unemployment Blues

In the fast-paced life of a professional, it is now estimated that most will have 10 to 12 different jobs and 3 to 4 significant career changes. It comes as no surprise that many people will find themselves unemployed at some time. Many people when unemployed deal with "unemployment blues." Much of our identity and self-esteem is formed around our professional life, and when this does not exist we experience depression. Fortunately there are ways to alleviate the unemployment blues.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Keep to a regular schedule. Allow a certain amount of time every day for job hunting and also be sure to allow time for pleasurable activities.

2. Take advantage of the time off that you have now. Enroll in a course that could enhance your professional life and perhaps your future salary.

3. Commit to staying healthy. Continue with daily exercise, healthy eating and getting adequate sleep.

4. Stay connected with friends and family. Personal relationships are important to be nurturing as well for potential job leads.

5. Join a career or professional group. This is an excellent networking opportunity and you will stay up-to-date in your chosen field.

6. Look out for signs of serious depression and check in with your doctor if things get tough. Some signs include losing sleep or sleeping too much, loss of appetite or eating too much, trouble concentrating and in extreme cases feelings of suicide.

7. Find ways to be kind to yourself every day. Being unemployed is stressful and a challenge.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to keep in touch with co-workers, bosses and former employers. They might know of possible job leads.

• Read books and journals in your field of interest. You will learn about your chosen career and have something to talk about on the interviews.

• Write down your accomplishments. Looking at a concrete list of all that you have done will probably make you feel better.

• If you feel that you are having a tough time, don't ignore this feeling. Find the help of a seasoned professional who really cares and can help you. Especially if you have feelings of suicide or harming yourself.