It can give us a sense of purpose, a regular routine, the opportunity to challenge ourselves, widens our social connections and gives some financial security. This article details some important information about what is job search depression, how to deal with it, and ways to recover from burnout. That said, there may be times when you choose to disclose your condition—or when you at least shouldn’t be afraid of hiring managers finding out. This is especially true if you are interviewing with startups and progressive-minded organizations, according to Heath. She also suggested that a poor job fit can increase emotional and physical distress, leading to burnout, as can a poor emphasis on work-life balance.

For obvious reasons, this can lead to a feeling of desperation and helplessness. To help you keep your head up, here are six causes of job search depression, and what you can do to prevent it. Maintain connections with friends and family members who can offer emotional support. Talking about your challenges can provide relief and perspective. Your support system can also offer encouragement and motivation. Unemployment itself is also a significant contributor to depression.

Not being in control

It can provide a routine, feeling like we’re part of something and gives us the opportunity to be in contact with other people. We can all feel negative sometimes but when we feel negative about work all the time, this can lead to a low mood and fuel depression. However, there are things you can do to increase your feelings of positivity. I began naming their depression in our appointments, asking them how they were feeling overall — outside of looking for work. I’d comment they seemed tired or down, and ask how they were looking after themselves.

If you feel your supervisor is supportive, try talking with them. Maybe they can change your assignment or move you to a different location in the office. If your actions aren’t working, it’s time to try something different. Consult with depression and job search a career coach, mentor, résumé writer and recruiter to get their respective opinions. Ask them for their honest evaluation, constructive criticism and feedback. Process what they have to say and put into action the noted alterations.

🌈 9 Promising Ways To Deal With Job Search Depression and Anxiety

It’s tempting to wait and hope your work situation will get better, but it probably won’t. If you want to make it fun, get yourself a novelty timer and use it to schedule work tasks and remind yourself to take a break. The NIHCM Foundation recommends you set firm boundaries between work and home life.

• It’s important to recognize that the feelings you’re experiencing are common and normal in this scenario.
• But as you make changes to prioritize your well-being, your self-image is likely to improve, which will boost your ability to make a great impression.
• Hiring managers will also notice your genuine interest in the position if you show some knowledge about the company.
• Identifying signs like anxiety, crying, boredom, and lack of interest is the first step to getting help.
• This article intends to cast light on this issue, explore its causes and impacts, and present sustainable strategies for overcoming it.

Similarly, employers can provide constructive feedback to unsuccessful candidates, humanizing the recruitment process and promoting mental health awareness within their organizations. Looking to stay connected to the social-impact space during a job search? While you’re plugging away at your ultimate goal—finding the right job—add smaller, more immediate goals along the way. Accomplishing tasks you set out to do, however small they may seem, can kick-start your confidence and motivation. You’ve probably heard the advice to “treat the job search like a job” and this approach can be a good one for your mental health. There are reasons why the job search takes a psychological toll.

Workplace Depression: What It Is And How To Deal With It

If you have any doubt about whether job search depression is real or not, consider this. Which of the above job search depression causes made you worry most on your most recent job search and why? 13) The difficult need to deal with these feelings while still seeming upbeat in interviews and while networking.