Job Search Depression; What it is & How to Deal with it?

Research has found that optimistic employees are 103% more inspired to give their best effort at work. Staying organized will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed with the job search process. It’ll also help you keep all of your priorities and responsibilities in balance.

You are not alone, as nearly everyone has gone through what you’re dealing with. Even the most successful people still deal with bouts of doubt and losing streaks. Instead, practice gratitude and think of the good things in your life. Being in the wrong field could leave you feeling despondent and detached from the job-search process. A BetterUp coach can help you navigate if you’re on the right path.

Causes of post-graduate job search depression

If you find yourself struggling with anxiety or depression in your post-graduate job search, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor. WithTherapy is one of the best ways to find a mental health professional who is right for you and your particular needs. Persistent melancholy, worry, low self-esteem, impatience, and a sense of helplessness are all common symptoms. You may find it difficult to focus, have changes in your appetite and sleep patterns, or engage in negative thought patterns.

Don’t let your feelings of hopelessness about your job search cause burnout and emotional exhaustion. Let’s take a look at how to deal with job depression and how to navigate the job-hunting process with a positive mindset. Searching for a job constantly may not allow you to set your fixed hours, which can create anxiety and job search depression. If you make a fixed schedule and stick to it daily, it will help you complete that list and feel a sense of achievement each day.

Overcoming job search depression

Stress from job-seeking has been linked to emotional and mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders, with approximately 17.3 million adults experiencing at least one major depressive episode in the United States in 2017. The constant rejection and roller coaster ride of ups and downs wreak havoc on your mental health and emotional https://remotemode.net/ well-being. Countless days of scouring job boards, submitting résumés and not hearing back can make you feel drained, discouraged and despondent. In a tough market, it makes matters worse, and the pressure intensifies if you are in between roles. When you have been let go and haven’t secured a new job after some time, it’s natural that you’ll start feeling anxious, afraid and depressed.

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. In 2020, an estimated 21 million adults in the U.S.—about 8.4% of all U.S. adults—had at least one major depressive episode, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Remember that interview rejection is based on fit, not personal value. Concentrate on your strengths, seek input for growth, and keep your faith in your talents.

Learn From Rejections

In this instance, it’s hard not to feel hopeless about your job search. If you have any doubt about whether job search depression is real or not, consider this. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median unemployment duration is 8.7 weeks or just over two months (June 2023). On average, depression and job search employers post jobs 37.5 days before conducting interviews and from there it takes an average of 23.6 days for companies to make an offer (National Association of Colleges and Employers). Along with focusing on your ultimate goal for a job search, you can set some immediately attainable goals.

• Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders, with approximately 17.3 million adults experiencing at least one major depressive episode in the United States in 2017.
• Being rejected from your job applications can create low self-esteem.
• Deep breathing exercises, relaxation methods, and meditation can all help you feel less anxious and more emotionally balanced.
• Again, keep in mind that you are in no way obligated to share this information.
• O’Donnell believes your first step is to start thinking of yourself in a new role — as a “business of one” trying to sell your services to a potential employer.
• If you’re facing unemployment and dealing with depression, the desire to crawl under your covers and never leave the house again can be strong.

A key tip for how to deal with job depression is to maintain perspective. If you don’t get that dream job you applied for, have a plan ready to pick yourself up. Focus on what you can learn from the experience rather than feeling rejected. You might not feel like you’ll be in a position to have options to decline an offer that isn’t the perfect fit for you.

The idea is to feel good about what you’ve achieved and feel like you’re moving forward. For example, if you’re searching for a position in nonprofit arts administration, landing that specific roles can feel like a broad and overwhelming goal. 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. Beyond your personal relationships, reach out to a career coach or therapist. An experienced career coach can also help normalize what you are experiencing.

• What’s more, maintaining a positive attitude throughout your job hunt can better your chances of landing your dream gig.
• As weeks or months pass with no response to your applications and résumé submissions, it can be hard to keep a positive attitude.
• It can extend into your personal relationships and your self-growth.
• An experienced career coach can also help normalize what you are experiencing.
• In 2020, an estimated 21 million adults in the U.S.—about 8.4% of all U.S. adults—had at least one major depressive episode, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
• They are your shoulder to lean on, but also your distraction from the overwhelming parts of this process.