I am unemployed and depressed, how can I stop depression from affecting my job search?

In the past i have been unemployed and depressed, but the problem at the time was that i didnt know i was depressed, nor did any of my friends or family! i stayed awake all night watching crappy tv and playing video games, and i would wake up in the middle of the afternoon the next day and repeat this process every day except for when i had to go to the job centre to sign on! My parents just called me lazy, most of friends had jobs during the week and partied/socialised at the weekend, but i couldnt join in because i had no money or was too busy sleeping!............ a new job, meeting new people, having to speak positively about myself, some of my biggest fears all in one go!... how do you get yourself out of that cycle? there is no answer, one day i just woke up and thought "this is no way to live, I need to beat this!" i called a good friend i knew from school and explained the cycle i was in. He was in a great position himself, steady relationship, good job etc, but still took time out to help me develop my CV and suggested i enroll in business college with a work placement, this is the route he had taken so gave me all the help i needed.... It was still a struggle and made me very anxious but i found a way to block it out, i joined a new college and made some new friends along with a work placement..... i never looked back, my apologies for the cliche but you really do have to face your fears and you will be rewarded in the long term! .... i owe a lot to my friend and i wish there was a way i could thank him, but i also know deep down that i had to take the first step of a very long road on my own and i have never looked back and been in permanent employment now for over 15 years!

I would instead ask, "how can you not let your job search exacerbate your depression?" It's really important to take care of yourself. Job hunting requires a ton of energy and drive--things that are hard to come by when feeling depressed. Limit your searches to a few hours each day--not all day and all night. And if you're coming up empty handed, do even less: like once a week. When you do apply for jobs, reward yourself with something nice and healthy! You deserve it.

Eat well. Love Strong. Forget the past and believe in the future. You are the only one who controls it!

Depressed because you are unemployed. You should think positive from here and on. It might take some time looking for a job, but you'll eventually get something out of your search. Just be patient.

Depression and job search are a terrible combination. The loss of income and employment makes it really hard to be happy. First, you can identify the kind of work that will make you happy. Even if you don't think you will get a job in that field, just the act of pursuing something you would love can give you the motivation to get cover letters written, resumes completed, references set up, etc. Once you have those done for your "dream jobs", you'll at least have an easier time submitting applications for everything else because you'll already have the documents you need. This will also help work through your depression a bit because you're focusing on things that you want to do. Second, understand that even though "looking for work" is a full time job, like any job, there is a risk of burnout. Don't kid yourself into thinking that you can apply for jobs 12 hours a day, every day. Take breaks. Set realistic goals. Third, make sure you set time aside for normal "after work" activities such as talking with friends, getting their input into your situation, networking, etc. Most often, the best job leads come from people that you know or friends of friends. Put yourself in a position to meet them. Fourth, find places where you can work. When I lost my job, and found myself wasting too much time at home, I began going to Starbucks, and to the library- places where I could more easily focus and get work done. The idea is to get yourself into better environments that are more conducive to getting things done. Fifth, get a part time job, or volunteer. Do something that keeps you active and engaged in the community. Again, you may feel that this is counterproductive to your job search, but it's actually helpful in several ways: it gets you busy, it helps you keep a normal schedule, it helps you meet people who can help you, it puts some money in your pocket, and it helps to demonstrate a consistent work history. These are all great and important things both for finding your dream job, and also for battling your depression.

First, off. I'm sorry you feel that way. But please remember that emotion is one that every person feels at one point or another. If your depression is impeding your life in a significant way, please seek professional help. Trying certain techniques found on this websites self-help guide for depression might help you. They are amazing for combating that negative thinking that might hurt you doing your job search. In any rate, asking for help by asking others or looking for resources yourself is the best way to overcome this…. Stay strong my friend!