Looking for a new job is never easy, but depression while job hunting is even worse. Being unemployed at the same time is terrible, too. Unfortunately, I have experienced that in the last couple of years. Getting lost in the cumbersome tasks of revamping my resume and applying for jobs is dispiriting. Thus, it becomes easy for job hunting to cause my depression to set in quickly.
The process of job hunting itself can feel draining, repetitive, and isolating. When depression is already present, these tasks become even heavier, feeding into negative thoughts and feelings of hopelessness. Recognizing this cycle is the first step to breaking it.
Depression Affects My Job-Hunting
The depression that is fueled by rejection and the monotony of job hunting is a deep-rooted one. Until I am offered a job, as hard as I fight off the defeated feelings, depression still lingers like a little devil on my shoulder, similar to the ones in cartoons.
Once the depression sets in, I experience a flippant attitude and a sense of hopelessness that coexist with my depression. I stop caring about perfecting my applications or motivating myself to apply for jobs. Yet deep down, I know that if I don't submit multiple applications, I will never find new employment, leaving me unable to support myself and my kids.
These thoughts push me over the edge, and I begin my spiral into a dark space that is even more difficult to climb out of. Some of my lowest moments have been precipitated by job hunting. Avoiding depression during this process is tough, and it often requires conscious effort and coping skills.
Coping Skills for Depression Caused by Job Hunting
One of the most important things to remember when searching for a job is to be proactive with coping skills. Admittedly, I need to remind myself of this at least once a week. It is easy to get lost in the virtual world of job boards, scrolling endlessly through listings and feeling overwhelmed by the process.
To manage this, I have developed coping strategies that keep me grounded. For example, I play relaxing music in the background while working on applications, take short breaks to recharge, or enjoy small snacks to make the process less daunting. These little acts of self-care lighten the emotional weight of job hunting.
Knowing When to Step Away
Even with strong coping skills, there are times when they are not enough. This is when mindfulness becomes essential. I have learned to recognize when my energy is fading and when my thoughts are beginning to spiral. In those moments, I need to step away.
Sometimes that means closing the laptop and walking away for the rest of the day. This pause allows me to recalibrate emotionally, giving myself time to return to the task with a clearer and calmer mindset. Pausing is not quitting; it is protecting mental health so I can continue tomorrow.
Job Hunting with Depression: A Difficult Journey
All in all, one of the most humbling experiences of my 40s has been job hunting with depression. My age is a factor, and the skills I thought I excelled at often need improvement. I sometimes look back at my education and work history and wonder why I am not getting interviews. These doubts can be crushing, but they also test my resilience.
Job hunting has pushed me to strengthen my coping skills and acknowledge that some days are better than others. While depression and job hunting often feed into each other, with awareness and self-care, it is possible to endure the process and eventually find a path forward.