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

Understand that you are not alone, everyone has been unemployed at some point of time and searching for a job is definitely not an easy task, it is a combination of effort and coincidence.

Set small goals every day to take steps toward your larger goal, finding a job. It can be overwhelming to try to change everything at once, so by working at one small goal every day, you can overcome your symptoms and find that dream job.

In my search for jobs, I was turned down many times. I was on sick leave for a year due to anxiety and depression, and yet I still felt this need to go get my life back. Do you recognise this need? We all have a power within us; a force, if you will, that keeps us going. Hold onto your passions, remember what you love doing and believe in yourself, so that your job searches will reel in positive results. Hang in there and remember your passion!

Try creating a daily checklist and rewarding yourself for completing it. For example, get up and dressed, apply for 2 jobs per day, make your bed. Forcing yourself to complete "simple" daily tasks and adding your job search into them may create a pattern that you can ease into to help keep your motivation up. Remember, if you feel like you can't get up to apply for jobs, you can always look for online applications, ask people you know if they know of any openings, or update your resume/cover letters.

Many people find that small successes breed larger ones. It's easy to get down on yourself when things aren't going well, so finding SOMETHING (even small) to succeed at (maybe some small housework item) can start the ball rolling. TED Talks are also helpful for a quick "pick me up".

I know how you feel. I think it can help to focus on the positives, remember what you're good at. What are your skills and talents? What would you like to do? Just try to live one day at a time and know that the right job will come along in the end. If you're unwell it's perfextly fine to take some time to get better and look after yourself

You have to push through. Even though you feel like a weight is attached to your ankle, you can still make it. Pick up the weight, and keep going.

It can be very difficult to find another job. The market is very competitive, and the opportunities are few. Even more so is it difficult when mental health comes into play. However, that does not mean it is impossible. A great way to begin is to seek out help. Perhaps a good friend or a family member can put in a good word for you at their workplace, or with colleagues in their field. Be alert and updated; perhaps your dream workplace has an open field. There are also job centres, who have skilled people to help out with employment. When you begin to see the opportunities, they are endless! Good luck!

Sometimes the worst part is the getting up and doing it. Make time for yourself try exercise as a means to elevate depression. Exercise in the morning can really help to make you feel more energised throughout the day

I'd think about your goals and dreams, and think about how finding a job will ease your depression and allow you to feel a purpose again.