Like all major changes in our lives, the fear of the “unknown” is a substantial hurdle in coping with unemployment. When we lose our job, we may experience a loss similar to a death of a close friend or relative. Although the degree of emotional loss may be less, most of us will experience a similar grieving process.
The Continuum Center of Oakland University has identified the typical stages of grief following job loss. If you find you are “stuck” in one stage, you may want to talk to someone, perhaps even a professional counselor.
STAGE 1. Happiness or Shock and Denial
STAGE 2. Emotional Release
STAGE 3. Depression and Physical Distress
STAGE 4. Panic and Guilt
STAGE 5. Anger and Hostility
STAGE 6. Renewed Hope and Rebuilding
Job seeking activities should be the major focus of your daily activities. Your new job is finding a job.
Stress is the body’s response to demands made upon it. Change is the primary cause of stress.
Effective ways to deal with stress:
Communication with others
Exercise is an effective way to work off tension
Helping others is a way to raise your self esteem.
Talk to your family members. Remember that the whole family has been laid off.
Tips on talking:
Be Honest
Be Patient
Ask Questions
Don’t Argue and Criticize
Don’t make Assumptions
Take good care of yourself by eating right and getting plenty of sleep at night. Another aspect to dealing with stress is having good social support. Social support is having family, friends, and community who care about you and let you know it.