Happy Week: Coping With Job Loss

Being laid off can be both financially and mentally challenging. Dr. Sudeepta Varma, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at NYU Langone Medical School, discusses why it's okay to feel down after losing your job.

Many career-minded people associate their careers with who they are. When job loss occurs, these individuals often feel like they've lost a part of themselves instead of just their source of income. "It's important to realize that you're more than just your job," says Varma. "A lot of these feelings [of sadness] are temporary and they go away, and if they don't, then that might have an underlying significance of maybe anxiety or depression." If you think you might be depressed, talk to your doctor. Depression is treatable, but the first step is getting help.

Some experts believe in the power of positive thinking during tough times. "It's important to realize that you can't always change your circumstances, but you can always control your attitude," says Varma. She suggests asking yourself a few key questions, like, "What drew me to my job in the first place?" and, "How can I be proactive?" Consider yourself, what skills you have, and how they can be applied in the future. Your goal should be reclaiming the passion that you had for your old career and refocusing that energy towards your job search. "A lot of people lose their jobs and think it's okay to be a couch potato," says Varma. "You want to get out, you want to let everyone know what you do."

While staying positive during times of unemployment is important, don't brush off negative feelings. "It absolutely is a big deal, and I think that it's important for people to realize that people at every level in the job force - in the economy - are struggling with this," says Varma. Keep in mind that you're not alone. Recent studies show that unemployment is hovering around 9.7%, and some experts think that number will rise. "There really isn't something wrong with you. [Don't] blame yourself," says Varma.

If you haven't lost a job but have a loved one or a friend who has, stay supportive. "When a person loses their job, they need the time to grieve the loss," says Varma. Comfort them as best you can. It's important that they start to heal, "But at the same time, push them towards being active," says Varma. "It's really important when you don't have a job to stay focused, to stay disciplined, to get up every morning the same way you would when you had a job." People often find familiar routines comforting during times of uncertainty.

Also, offer to help by networking on their behalf. Jobs often come from word-of-mouth, so it's important to spread the word that you you know someone who's looking for work.

By Erin Petrun