helping-Dealing with Job Loss
and the stress coping with Unemployment 

We at NhNUSA are really sorry to hear you're going through this. Job loss and unemployment can be incredibly stressful, but there are ways to manage and cope with the situation:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: It's normal to feel a range of emotions, from sadness to anger. Allow yourself to feel these emotions without judgment.
2. Stay Connected: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups. Talking about your feelings can provide relief and help you feel less isolated.
3. Create a Routine: Establishing a daily routine can provide structure and a sense of normalcy. Include activities that you enjoy and that keep you productive.
4. Focus on Self-Care: Take care of your physical and mental health. Exercise regularly, eat well, and get enough sleep. Mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga can also help reduce stress.
5. Set Goals: Break down your job search into manageable tasks. Set daily or weekly goals to keep yourself motivated and focused.
6. Learn New Skills: Use this time to learn something new or improve your existing skills. Online courses and workshops can be a great way to stay engaged and enhance your resume.
7. Seek Professional Help: If you're feeling overwhelmed, consider speaking with a counselor or therapist. They can provide strategies to cope with stress and anxiety.
8. Financial Planning: Review your finances and create a budget. Look into unemployment benefits or other financial assistance programs that may be available to you
9. Join a Job Search Group 

Here are a few online courses that can help you cope with job loss and manage the stress of unemployment:

1. How to Make Job Loss Your Opportunity for Growth: This course focuses on turning the challenge of job loss into a chance for personal growth. It guides you through the initial shock, helps you reflect on your situation, and provides strategies for recovery and moving forward[1].
   
2. Mindset Reset after Job Loss and Unemployment: Offered on Udemy, this course emphasizes developing a resilient and positive mindset. It covers practical job search techniques, interview preparation, and strategies to maintain a proactive attitude during this transition[2].
   
3. Job Loss and Unemployment Stress: HelpGuide.org provides resources and coping techniques to manage the stress and anxiety associated with job loss. It offers practical advice on how to ease your stress and move forward with your working life[3].
   

These courses can provide valuable support and guidance during this challenging time. If you have any specific interests or areas you'd like to focus on, let me know, and I can help find more tailored options for you!

References
[1] How to Make Job Loss Your Opportunity for Growth
[2] Mindset Reset after Job Loss and Unemployment | Udemy
[3] Job Loss and Unemployment Stress - HelpGuide.org

​How to cope with the emotional toll of losing your jobwww.cnbc.com › 2020/05/13 

Coping With Job Loss - The Balance Careers
​www.thebalancecareers.com › Career Planning › Job Loss​
​
​Depression After a Job Loss: Statistics and How to Cope

Articles to read:

How to Recover from Job Loss
Expressive Writing and coping with job loss.
Stefanie Spera
Here are a number of articles on the American Psychological Association website about unemployment, in case these are of interest (not sure if these are what you are looking for but I’m sending just in case):

http://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/03/unemployment.aspx

http://www.apa.org/pi/ses/resources/indicator/2012/04/unemployment.aspx

http://www.apa.org/about/gr/issues/socioeconomic/unemployment.aspx

Psychological Effects of Unemployment and UnderemploymentLife Ed: Keeping A Healthy Frame Of Mind During Unemployment

Coping with Job Loss –

Our jobs are much more than just the way we make a living.

They influence how we see ourselves, as well as the way others see us.      

 Our jobs give us structure, purpose, and meaning.

That’s why job loss and unemployment is one of the most stressful things you can experience.

Beyond the loss of income, losing a job also comes with other major losses, some of which may be even more difficult to face:

• Loss of your professional identity
• Loss of self-esteem and self-confidence
• Loss of your daily routine
• Loss of purposeful activity
• Loss of your work-based social network
• Loss of your sense of security

Losing your job forces you to make rapid changes.

You may feel angry, hurt, panicked, rejected and scared.

Many people will experience some or all of the following stages:

• Shock and denial: After initially hearing the news, it is common for people to be incredibly shocked by it, even if it was somewhat expected. It can be difficult to comprehend fully what has happened, and some people may need some time before they can process this information. As a result, they may not accept that it is truly happening.

• Anger: After the initial shock is over, people frequently experience anger towards the company or others perceived to be at fault. People also may experience anger towards themselves for being in this situation, anger towards family and friends, and even anger towards other co-workers who did not lose their jobs.

• Resistance: Later in the process, people may engage in resistance to the idea of the job loss, and may believe that there are things that they can do to change the situation. They may think that doing something such as taking a pay cut or agreeing to work fewer hours will help them keep their jobs. In most cases, this is not a viable option.
• Sadness: Once the reality of the situation has truly set in, people often feel very sad and hurt.

• Acceptance:

      Eventually, people learn to accept the situation and move on.

It is important to remember that not all people will experience all stages, not all stages will occur in the order listed, and many who experience job loss will go back and forth among the stages before finally reaching acceptance.

If you experience feelings associated with these stages, keep in mind that this is normal, that you can work through these feelings and feel better.

Some people may move through these stages more quickly than others may, and this is normal, too.

However, anyone having great difficulty with the experience, or who is stuck in a certain phase, may need professional help in order to move on.

Studies show that people become more likely to experience depression and anxiety after a job loss.

However, people are more surprised to learn that the stress of job loss or even the threat of job loss can cause an increase in health problems.

Stress has been linked to heart disease, cancer, depression, obesity, sleep problems, high blood pressure, digestive problems, chronic pain, migraines, anxiety, autoimmune diseases, and skin conditions, all of which can lead to major health expenses. It’s also known to speed up the aging process.

Because health problems are more likely when under stress,  it is especially important that people try to take good care of themselves during this time, even if they don't really feel  like doing this

You may even join a job seeker's support group. This is a group that educates people on how to find work. Neighbors-helping-Neighbors USA is such a group and has a strong track record of helping members find work.  See Success Stories

Wall Street Journal article I was quoted in.

Holiday’s are particularly bothersome for many. Polls show that almost 90% of Americans feel some kind of anxiety or stress about the holidays.

These feelings can be brought about by many factors, including increased stress and fatigue, unrealistic expectations, too much commercialization, or inability to be with family (or too much family!).

The shopping, out-of-control discretionary spending, decorating, cooking, visiting, and holiday entertaining at home can all add up and cause tremendous pressure on both adults and kids.

You might also be experiencing physical or behavioral side effects, such as:

• Weight gain or weight loss
• Inability to sleep, or sleeping too much

• Neglecting your responsibilities

• Using alcohol or drugs to relax
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Chest pain or rapid heartbeat

• Frequent colds or little sicknesses from a weakened immune system

• Nausea or dizziness
• Loss of sex drive

Common stress reactions during holidays or at anytime for that matter can include:

• Headaches
• Irritability
• Overeating/overdrinking
• Trouble sleeping

Some Tips For Managing Your Own Holiday Stress:

REFERENCES

Job Loss and Unemployment Stress.  Retrieved from:   http://www.helpguide.org/life/unemployment_job_loss_stress_coping_tips.htm

Radunovich, H.L. Coping with stress during a job loss.  Retrieved  from:  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1055