Tips For Getting Through Long-Term Unemployment
Those who experience job loss have a dramatic change of lifestyle and schedule.
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PrintIt probably comes as no surprise, but a new study by Pew Research shows those who have been unemployed for a long time -- over six months -- have been impacted in more ways than one.
In fact, 44 percent of the 810 adults surveyed reported experiencing major changes in their lives since losing their job. Forty six percent of the jobless stated that being without work has strained family relationships, and almost half (43 percent) have lost contact with close friends.
Robin H-C, author of "Thinking Your Way to Happy," says this happens because many people have their self-esteem tied up in what they do. In addition, "Isolation is what they use for punishment and long-term unemployment is similar in having too much time alone with ones thoughts, a lack of social interaction."
Those who experience a job loss have an entire change of lifestyle and schedule. Rather than get up and socially interact with others at the workplace, those who are unemployed have lost that place to go. Family members might continue to work, leaving a sense of loss to the one who remains at home.
In addition, a job loss results in a loss of "things to talk about." The person who has lost the job may feel embarrassed, frustrated, angry, or sad. Discussing the lost job may increase these emotions.
In Pew Research's study, 38 percent have experienced a loss in self-esteem because of the job loss, with 24 percent seeking professional help for depression and other emotional issues.
To combat the possible depression and loss of self-esteem that can accompany job loss,
Debbie Mandel, author of "Addicted to Stress: A Woman's 7 Step Program to Reclaim Joy and Spontaneity in Life," offers these tips:
In fact, 44 percent of the 810 adults surveyed reported experiencing major changes in their lives since losing their job. Forty six percent of the jobless stated that being without work has strained family relationships, and almost half (43 percent) have lost contact with close friends.
Robin H-C, author of "Thinking Your Way to Happy," says this happens because many people have their self-esteem tied up in what they do. In addition, "Isolation is what they use for punishment and long-term unemployment is similar in having too much time alone with ones thoughts, a lack of social interaction."
Those who experience a job loss have an entire change of lifestyle and schedule. Rather than get up and socially interact with others at the workplace, those who are unemployed have lost that place to go. Family members might continue to work, leaving a sense of loss to the one who remains at home.
In addition, a job loss results in a loss of "things to talk about." The person who has lost the job may feel embarrassed, frustrated, angry, or sad. Discussing the lost job may increase these emotions.
In Pew Research's study, 38 percent have experienced a loss in self-esteem because of the job loss, with 24 percent seeking professional help for depression and other emotional issues.
To combat the possible depression and loss of self-esteem that can accompany job loss,
Debbie Mandel, author of "Addicted to Stress: A Woman's 7 Step Program to Reclaim Joy and Spontaneity in Life," offers these tips:
- Create a daily work time to create solutions. Update work skills and search for work, which will make you feel productive.
- Get together with friends. Socialization is an important part of staying healthy, and being with people who make you laugh can keep you feeling happy.
- Exercise. Get your body moving to reduce stress.
- Eat well. Get a mix of complex carbs, lean protein, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
