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Unfortunately, with this economy you are not alone. Losing your job can be a shock to your system. When you lose your job, you will experience a series of losses. The loss of income can be devastating. You may feel the loss of social contact and miss the work friendships you have made. It is very common to lose self-esteem when you lose your position and are unemployed.
One of the first things you should do is take a realistic look at your finances. See where you can cut back. Cancel services that you do not need such as expensive cable tv and movie stations. Check out low cost or no cost social activities at your local park district and library. It is important to stay socially connected so you don’t feel isolated. Often people feel a greater sense of self worth when they volunteer in their community.
It is important to establish a new routine. Don’t sleep in and don’t watch tv all day long. Wake up in the morning, get dressed and approach your job search as if it was your new full-time job. Keep regular hours and set clear goals for yourself such as callling a set number of contacts who may help with finding a new position. Set time in your day to exercise. You do have the time now to take a walk regularly and you’ll want to be in great shape when you arrive at your new job.
Remember to talk to family and friends. It can be helpful to let others know how you are feeling. Your family and friends can help support you emotionally (and perhaps financially) in this difficult time and they may have some excellent ideas and contacts to help you find a new position.
If you find yourself losing hope, feeling depressed, unable to sleep, drinking too much or having suicidal thoughts do not hesitate to seek help immediately. Provena Mercy’s Behavioral Health Services offers free mental health assessments. Call 1-630-801-2657 to schedule a confidential asssessment.
Answer submitted by Carol Doyle, Director of Business Development & Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Provena Mercy Medical Center Behavioral Health Services.
