There are reasons why the job search takes a psychological toll. If you’re refreshing your inbox every few minutes or perusing job boards constantly, you’re keeping your body and mind in a high-alert stress mode that can do damage over time. If you’re having a hard time prioritizing your health during your job search, go one step further and ask a loved one to act as your accountability partner, Mr. Witters suggested. Whether you’re suffering from job-search depression or happily employed, learning the coping mechanisms needed to deal with things like uncertainty and loss of control will always come in handy, Dr. Maidenberg said. A key tip for how to deal with job depression is to maintain perspective.

Tracking your job search progress through a journal can help you identify the things that worked and what didn’t work, so you can make adjustments to your job search approach. It can also give you a great perspective on the progress you’re making and all of the great strides you’ve made in your hunt. It’s important to take breaks from your job search, no matter how desperately you’re in search of employment.

causes of job search depression

Try putting some photos on your desk, adding a plant or two, or decorate using soothing colors. To improve your concentration and focus, break up your tasks into smaller parts. After completing a part of a task, take a five-minute break to refresh and relax before tackling the next https://remotemode.net/ item on your list. You’ll also feel more accomplished when completing all of these smaller tasks, giving you more motivation to keep going. As depression often interferes with sleep, maybe starting a little later might help relieve some of your stress when it comes to working.

And some people use hormonal birth control to help relieve depression symptoms and mood swings that are experienced with conditions like premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). If you are considering changing jobs as part of your journey towards better mental health, remember that it is possible to find meaningful work that will provide satisfaction and help alleviate symptoms of depression. You should always seek professional qualified help if you have any questions or doubts about what to do next. In conclusion, changing jobs can be a great way to help manage depression. It is important to understand the causes of depression and the benefits and challenges that come with making a job change. With careful planning and strategies for success, you can make a successful career transition while managing your mental health.

Is it Ok to Take a Break from Job Hunting?

Other companies go through a whole process to select who fits the mold of the company. Company timelines are not aligned with your timeline, so you must be extra patient. A 2019 review found that shift workers, especially females, were at an increased risk for poor mental health — specifically symptoms of depression. There are various reasons why you may be dealing with an increase in depressive symptoms at work. And while no two people — or experiences — are the same, some common themes seem to emerge when pinpointing the causes or triggers of signs of depression at work.

• It can provide a sense of purpose and direction, as well as the opportunity to learn new skills or explore different career paths.
• According to the New York Times, research has shown that job searches that last beyond weeks have the potential to decrease a person’s sense of well-being.
• A counselor with a specialization in employment issues may be able to help you clarify the source of your stress and come up with coping techniques to employ when work becomes too much to handle.
• Ask them for their honest evaluation, constructive criticism and feedback.

Please feel free to share any tips you have about dealing with job search depression in the comments section below so the community can learn from your experience. Job search depression can have a lot to do with patience vs anxiety. Sometimes we are not patient enough, or our expectations are not realistic. Every company you interview with will have a different timeline to hire a new candidate. Some companies are just “browsing” to see if they find a perfect fit, some need a candidate for yesterday and the one with the best skills and qualifications in a small talent pool will get picked.

How Can Changing Jobs Help to Tame Your Depression?

Meet up with a friend for coffee and let him know you are on the job hunt. See if he knows anyone who is a recruiter or maybe works at a company that interests you. Often, they have lectures to try to attract new students, depression and job search and this can be a great way to meet people. Job fairs can also be a great place to get in front of recruiters and pitch your skills. There are tons of groups on there and different ones for each profession.

2) Constant uncertainty of not knowing when the job search will end. 1) Loss of control – sudden, traumatic change of having a great job one day and no job the next. What’s more, maintaining a positive attitude throughout your job hunt can better your chances of landing your dream gig. Eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of sleep, and practicing good sleep hygiene are key to managing your stress. Instead of getting wrapped up in “what if” thoughts, harness the power of positive self-talk. Make a list of job postings you’re applying for, with information like interview dates, contact details, and interview questions you’d like to ask.