Fight Job Search Depression These 5 Ways

When you spend a lot of time looking for a job, you may not realize when job search depression starts to set into your life. You might feel discouraged that you haven't found a job yet, maybe because your family situation puts pressure on you due to everyone's financial dependence on you. Discover five ways to overcome these sad feelings, especially if you left your previous job on less-than-ideal terms.

1. Let It Go

Job search depression begins with a sense of loss from your old position. Your co-workers felt like family and friends, and maybe you miss the regular contact you had with them. Even if you feel that losing your job was your fault, come to terms with the loss and recognize that everything happens for a reason. Perhaps your previous employer didn't value you enough and there's a better position on the horizon. Having feelings of sadness is normal, so let them come to the surface, deal with them in healthy ways and move on to the next phase of your journey.

2. Serve Your Family

The good news is that you can spend a lot more quality time with your family. Turn the negative into a positive and start doing more things around the house, spend more time helping your kids with their homework and be more appreciative of your family situation. Work out a time to look for employment when your children are at school, and then do nothing but spend time with them when they get home. Feeling good about your family can help ward off job search depression when you see how happy everyone is to have more time with you. Use this as downtime from your job search so you can relax and recharge your batteries.

3. Solve Problems

When you're at work, one of your main tasks is to solve problems. The same is true on the job hunt. Learn how to present yourself as a problem solver to prospective employers when applying for positions. For example, when writing a cover letter, rather than focusing on you, talk about fixing the issues and pain points that an employer might have. This also helps to engage the creative side of your mind while keeping you from dwelling on the negative emotions that could lead to job search depression.

4. Build Your Confidence

Build your confidence by engaging in activities that increase your network. Volunteer with a local organization to learn new skills. Take formal classes or attend training. Try free online webinars or classes that can help you build valuable hard and soft skills that employers seek in candidates. Stay active and continue to build up your credentials.

5. Exercise

Exercise is a great way to stave off job search depression and negative feelings in general. Working out naturally produces feel-good chemicals in your brain while simultaneously improving your health. Take your kids to the park and perform playground exercises — this lets you spend time with your kids and get a good workout at the same time.

Job search depression is a reality, but it doesn't have to become your reality. These five ways can help you stay positive and focused, even if you're not on the job hunt as a full-time endeavor.

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