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

In my personal experience of being unemployed and depressed because of it, I suffered from critical thinking errors and created an endless cycle of failure. I had to set small daily goals, such as, getting up, eating breakfast and taking a shower. I would then move onto setting attainable tasks for myself. I would job search on the internet for two hours that day and try to talk to one possible employer, either on the phone or on the internet. At the end of the day I would not focus on being unemployed, but on my successes and the progress I had made. I reward myself for the effort, usually with chocolate :). Then before bed I would list at least three things that I was grateful for. It's a tall order to complete all of that, but I had to remember... progress not perfection.

Depression will affect everything you do, including searching for a job. You don't need to stop it. But you need to be effective in your job search no matter what. Develop a written plan, calendars, and exhaustive checklists, including even things like taking a bath, grooming, and dressing, to the behaviors you plan to have during the interview. Do not apply for jobs that require an extrovert personality, like face-to-face sales, for example. Present yourself as a reflexive, conscientious, calm person. Do some breathing exercises and affirmations just before each interview, to calm yourself, improve your self-esteem, and project the values and characteristics needed for your job, like professionalism, intelligence, honesty, etc. So write an exhaustive plan, follow it to the letter, and use calming and self-affirming techniques to prepare yourself immediately before each interview.

You can use this free time that you probably have at the moment and make it something good, try explore an area you always wanted to do, try doing something new something you always wanted to accomplish, that may distract you from your depression and give you new potential in order to search for a new job in a better mood. Try also to meet up with new persons in that time given that can also advise you and open even further your mind that might bring out a solution that might was not even passing your mind before

Well, it is normal to feel down. leaving a job can leave us with financial stress being unemployed is depressing state and if they are seeking a job for a few weeks and still didn't get an answer, they feel more stress. From my experience, some things could help AS Richard carlson said use the backburner. where you stay active another thing bring good habits to your life. keep two hours to find your positive passion. since you have time. and another thing have peptalk, where you see as clearly as a thing that will pass at the end. Simply look at it as you got the gift of time. practice good habits practice something you enjoy left out your mood and have an uplifting pep talk

The hardest part about being depressed is working at a job you dislike. When I was at the height of my depression, I worked at a call center and it gave me such anxiety and pushed me further in the depression. Eventually I talked to a counselor and they suggested that I find new work. I say all that to say that I think it would be a good idea to look for work doing something you enjoy even if it does not pay a whole lot of money. It's easier to go to work when you enjoy what you do, where you work and who you work for. It may also help you with the depression since you are doing something you enjoy. Even if you have to find two part time jobs you like, its better than working at one that you hate, will further push you into depression and force you to quit, or get fired. Good Luck!!! You got this!!!

I totally understand that, I am in a similar situation and some weeks are harder than others. Only you know your situation best. However, I can share my experience to help give you some suggestions. I focus on taking things one step at a time. I created a boundary where I wouldn't worry about any job stuff on Fri-Sun! In other words, I took those as self-care days. I wasn't able to find positions that I am interested so I started to look into volunteer work because in the meantime I could build skills in areas that I am interested in and get out of the house. I also made sure I was having fun, going into nature, journaling, and I would focus on issues in my meditation practices to find more ease, peace, to feel grounded, and centered. For the reason that when I am in those states I am able to apply for positions I am excited about or that I can find some growth in it instead of choosing jobs that take away my energy. Although, I understand that sometimes we don't have the privilege of choosing jobs. However, we do have the option to turn our time into self-care. Sometimes I feel I don't deserve to enjoy myself cause I am not being "productive" but it's not true! Everything I do is productive if it's for physical, mental, or emotional health! Anyway, I hope this was helpful in some way, and I'm glad I am not alone in unemployment and depression.

Depression is such a hard mental illness to deal with. First off, I hope you get everything worked out. I would recommend seeing a doctor, picking a hobby that you really enjoy, getting a pet, anything that makes you enjoy being around. But, definitely see a doctor as they can refer you to people who will be able to help you and go with you along your journey to a better mental health state. Reaching out and asking this question tells me all I need to know... You may not think you are as motivated as you should be, but you are doing a great job! Sending light :)

Sometimes it can help to set small goals, and then schedule time to accomplish these small tasks that have to be completed. For instance, when you're depressed, committing to a full time job search can seem daunting, but if we wanted to create smaller, more manageable tasks out of a job search, it might be a bit easier to commit to doing an online job search for ten or fifteen minutes a day. It may also help to keep a regular schedule, and try to stick to it, even when depressed. This serves two purposes, first, it encourages us to continue functioning, even if we are not feeling our best, and second, sometimes when we start accomplishing things that we have set out to accomplish, we begin to feel better.

Not having a job is indeed very stressful as we all need money for our daily expenses. It's been a tough time for job hunters especially in the past year and I'm sorry that you're experiencing depression from it. It's not easy to "stay positive" when the situation looks bleak, still don't give up hope yet, the dark times will pass. There are ways you can distract yourself from solely focusing on your job hunt because to only do that is going to be mentally draining. Use the time to pursue activities or hobbies you did not have the time to do before. Catch up with family and friends and talk to them because having a line of emotional support is important. Volunteer for a cause and perhaps that may open up new skills and opportunities. The important part is to keep yourself active, but at your own pace of course!

Unemployment depression is real and it does effect a lot of people, so you don't have to feel that you are alone in this. You just need to be the confident you when you are going for the interview and just put yourself out there. Interviewers always only seek for how you come across to them, the attitude and the way you present yourself to them. try to build in you strength and hope. also, try not to give up on your search. take smaller steps and explore yourself more. until the time you find a job you can also work on your skills , at home or outside which might help you later on in your job and make you confident about yourself or also volunteer for many other things which might boost up your morale and as for the depression part you can take care of you diet, sleeping schedule etc.