Lost your job to COVID-19 lockdown? Take care of your mental health amidst the trying times

The COVID-19 lockdown has crippled economies all over the world, leading to job losses. This has increased the ratio of mental health issues among the unemployed section of the population.

By: Sanyukta Baijal | | Updated: April 27, 2020 3:02 pm

The first step would be to dissociate your professional accomplishments from the person that you are.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about immensely difficult times for the whole world. The crisis, unfortunately, isn’t confined to heath. It has far reaching consequences on our economy too and one of them is job loss. Apart from financial crisis, unemployment comes with serious psychological impacts too. Job loss can lead to mental health issues like depressions and anxiety alongside hopelessness and stress. If have lost your job to the COVID-19 lockdown, utilize this break to take care of your mental health. Also Read - Multitasking may lead to negative emotions, make you less productive

HOW DOES JOB LOSS AFFECT YOU MENTALLY?

According to a study published by the US National Library of Medicine unemployment or joblessness can actually lead to severe mental health conditions like stress and depression. Psychologists are also of the opinion that long spells of unemployment come with various psychological challenges. In fact, a recent US by Gallup, Washington-based analytics and advisory company, finds that one in five unemployed people are undergoing treatment for depression. The findings of this survey suggest that when people are low they lose interest in things they previously enjoyed. This is a sure-fire sign of depression. Also Read - Working from home during quarantine? Job stress may up your risk for peripheral artery disease

DEALING WITH A JOB LOSS

This has never been easy. Coming to terms with unemployment becomes all the more tough as we associate our identity with our jobs. The first step would be to dissociate your professional accomplishments from the person that you are. Your visiting card shouldn’t have role in your value as a human being. While consulting a therapist online or through tele consulting is a must if you are undergoing depression due to your job loss, you can take small steps to manage the condition better. Also Read - Job stress can kill you: Here's how you can reduce the strain of working from home

Don’t isolate yourself

People often face feel ashamed of themselves after losing a job. This leads them, to cut off from the society and even family and friends. Even if you find it tough to open up to your close ones about your insecurities, make conscious efforts to talk to them. Discuss your fear and anxiety with them. This will help ease the pressure off you. Socializing may not only be good for uplifting your mood but it may also help you building new contacts for a job.

Follow a routine

Don’t let your routine go haywire if you’ve lost your job. A routine makes you feel in control of your life. Try to stick to the schedule you used to, when you were working. Also, make sure that you follow healthy eating habits and an active lifestyle. This is time to start a workout regime if you already don’t have one. Several studies observe that exercising can melt your stress away.

Set parameters around job searching

Utilize this time for upgrading your skills, diversifying your portfolio and looking for potential employees. However, you need to plan these activities well and set a specific time of the day for them. Haphazard, unplanned job search won’t take you anywhere, apart from increasing your panic reaction. Set some time apart for relaxation too. It will improve your brain functioning which is essential at the moment.

Practise meditation techniques

Years of research have proved the efficacy of this mind-body technique in stress alleviation. Deep breathing workouts along with meditation will go a long way in calming you down.

Published : April 27, 2020 2:52 pm | Updated:April 27, 2020 3:02 pm

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