7 tips to avoid unemployment depression
The unemployment rate is worrisome in Spain, and in fact it is almost 20% of the population. This is one of the most worrying problems for Spaniards, who since the economic crisis that began in 2008, have seen how precarious work has become a reality in our country.
However, unemployment does not only have material consequences on purchasing power. It also carries a greater risk of suffering depressive symptoms .
- Related article: "The Survivor Syndrome: working in times of crisis can harm health"
Psychology and unemployment
Surely, the first thing that comes to mind when we are out of work is the loss of money we suffer, and how economic problems can significantly alter our lives. The truth is that being unemployed not only affects our pocket , but it causes serious problems at the psychological level. Experts even talk about a phenomenon called "unemployment depression".
The psychological consequences of being unemployed are not only suffered by the person who is unemployed, but also his family . You can check it in the article "Unemployment of parents causes depression and anxiety in children, according to study", where the psychologist Jonathan García-Allen delves into these consequences and how they affect the life of the person without work.
What is unemployment depression
The unemployment depression arises when the person has been unemployed for several months and he perceives that the situation surpasses him. The initial "shock" of running out of work can be joined by repeated failed attempts to find employment.
The self-esteem of the person suffers , because the individual can experience that they practically do not call him for job interviews despite having delivered thousands of CVs. This situation discourages the person, who feels guilt and failure along the path that is taking his life.
- Related article: "The 4 types of self-esteem: do you value yourself?"
Symptoms of this mental disorder
The unemployment depression presents a series of symptoms that we show you below.
1. Learned helplessness
Being unemployed for a long time can burn the person so that they exhaust their own resources. Every day that goes by without finding work and not seeing results In the face of their efforts, it gives the message to individuals that whatever they do their situation will not change. This accumulation of frustrations can lead the individual to suffer learned helplessness.
2. Low self-esteem
This delicate situation leads the person to value negatively, because he usually feels guilty despite the fact that the unemployment situation has a structural cause. Low self-esteem also affects your self-confidence , and each time he feels more like an unsuccessful individual.
3. Somatic symptoms
The psychological affectation can cause physical symptoms. Headaches, sleep difficulties, sexual problems , upset stomach, etc., may be some of the consequences of unemployment depression.
4. Bad habits
With time, the person leaves more and more. It is difficult for him to follow healthy habits, such as practicing physical exercise or feeding poorly. In fact, he can reach consume addictive substances such as drugs or alcohol to avoid facing reality and the problems that arise in your life.
- Related article: "Addiction: disease or learning disorder?"
5. Other symptoms
Other symptoms such as anxiety, apathy, demotivation or aggressive behavior they can occur when a person suffers depression due to unemployment.
What to do to prevent this delicate situation
Being unemployed is a very stressful life event, since it has consequences not only personal, but also social. But what to do to avoid falling into depression when we do not have a job? Below you can find some tips.
1. Keep the positive attitude and do not lose hope
Do not let the panic take over you and keep the positive attitude. Maybe the options do not appear at the first exchange, but if you keep looking for work, something may come out. On a personal level, stay active and keep practicing some hobby , it will help you to disconnect and have your mind occupied.
2. Know yourself
Maybe, in reality, you do not know yourself in depth. Find out what you are good at so that you can have greater chances of success in finding a job. Once you know who you are, then you can sell yourself better and possibly someone is interested in hiring you .
3. Control your expenses
Many times, unemployment depression appears because of the pace of life we have. Y it is logical that economic concerns lead us to suffer anxiety , stress and depression.
There are cases in which it is not possible to remedy financial difficulties, but in other cases it is a matter of mentality . Eliminate everything that is not a priority in your life from your expenses and adopt another way of thinking.
4. Get help
Although the welfare state has suffered a great crisis, there are still governmental or local grants that can allow you to reduce the problems that have appeared in this delicate moment of your life. As far as possible, exhaust this route.
5. Form yourself
If you have the possibility to train ... do it! Do not waste time standing, Be proactive not only in your job search but also in your personal development . Nowadays it is not necessary to go to educational centers, you can study online. So if you can economically afford it, you have no excuse for not continuing to train yourself.
6. Surround yourself with your loved ones
In this delicate situation is a good time to surround yourself with the people who love you the most. Maybe you need to tell them how you feel or just spend pleasant moments. Count on them now that you need them.
7. Seek psychological help
Sometimes, leaving this situation of hopelessness is not easy, and it is necessary to receive psychological support. There are good professionals who can be of great help when you begin to feel the decline of this situation. You can know the best psychology clinics in the article "The 10 best psychology and psychotherapy clinics" can be useful.
Tips for finding a job
If you want some advice to find a job, in the article "I have no job: 7 expert tips to find it" you can discover the best strategies to return to work after standing.
