Photo credit: Katemangostar
Being unemployed for months or even years can leave you feeling like you have no purpose because you are not making a contribution towards anything. You feel envious of others who are still working, lost because you aren’t sure what to do next and worried about what the future holds.
All this affects your mental and emotional health. Being unemployed has been linked to a greater risk of anxiety, depression, substance abuse and even suicide.
The month of May is all about Mental Health Awareness. It still comes as a surprise that many have stereotypical thoughts about what mental health is. What is mental health awareness and what does it include?
Definition
It is often said that knowledge is power. Mental health awareness is accepting and understanding what mental health is about. Mental health involves the emotions, psychological and social well-being of a person.
Causes of Mental Health
According to the World Health Organization, good mental health means you are in a psychological mental state of well-being. There are some factors that negatively disrupt your mental health. Research shows they are divided into three categories:
1. Biological
This is tied to mental illness that runs in families. Making a person susceptible to getting it through genes. Another way is through defects or injury to certain areas of the brain.
2. Psychological
Going through severe trauma like emotional, physical or sexual abuse as a child can negatively affect your mental health as you grow older.
3. Environmental
Some stressors or life experiences can trigger a person who is susceptible to mental illness. Examples are death, substance abuse, stress from losing a job or loved one, feelings of anxiety or low self-esteem and so on.
It is important to take care of your mental health. Understandably, the high unemployment rate during the pandemic has led to frustrations and overwhelming mental pressure. Here are some tips on how to protect your mental health while job searching.
Set realistic goals
Be realistic and set goals that are achievable. The end goal is getting a job that suits you. The best way is to break it down into smaller tasks like updating your resume, networking, learning a new skill and so on. Completing each one boosts your mental health and makes it easier to achieve.
Create a routine plan of action
It’s easy to get too comfortable just lying in bed or on the couch watching TV. The longer you do that, the more helpless you’ll feel. Don’t get stuck in your emotions. Instead of worrying about the future, focus on what you can control at the present moment. You can dedicate a couple of hours each day looking for a job. Keep in mind you need to be persistent and patient.
Reach out
The last thing anyone wants is a pity party from friends and family especially if they know about your current unemployment situation. You want to avoid the tedious questions and pitiful stares. Being withdrawn will only make you more frustrated and depressed. Have a good support system. Reach out and surround yourself with positive-minded people. The kind of people who give you good advice on what to do as you are job hunting. It is not about the journey or destination, it’s the company you keep along the way.
Affirmation
Losing a job and having to look for a new one can make you go into panic mode. With questions like, “What now? How will I pay the bills? Where will I go from here?” At this point, you need to take a moment and breath. Just take a deep breath to relax. Use positive words like “I’m so proud of how far I’ve come” or “I can get through this”. Don’t allow yourself to drown in self-pity and doubt. Practice self-care by eating well and getting enough sleep. Be cautious about what you feed your mind through social media.
Find your value
Many people identify themselves by their jobs, but once it’s gone, what do they have left? Clearly understand that you are so much more than your job (read that again). There is a whole lot more you can offer to society. What is it that you are good at, care about or would love to learn? Use your time to do things that are uplifting and boost your energy. Losing your temper won’t help the situation. Be aware of your emotions and those around you.
Conclusion
The job-searching process can be overwhelming. Acceptance is often the first step to recovery. Feel free to practice the above tips. If you find it harder to do it alone, you don’t have to. Get the support you need by seeking professional help. Remember that you are not alone. Things will get better.