How long has this job hunt been going on? I don’t even remember. How many applications have I submitted? That, I remember even less.
The job hunt can be stressful. This is a fact of life. The stress that comes with finding a new job, feeling stuck in an old one, or even getting to that point of desperation that you will take just about any job. All of these can add up to a very bad bout of stress and anxiety.
But for those family members, friends, or even colleagues, you can sometimes feel powerless. It is not uncommon for mental health to suffer during these times. If you see someone struggling, are you even sure it is stress?
9 Warning Signs of Mental Health Struggles in the Job Search
Regardless of what may be bothering you or someone you know who is on the job hunt, here are nine signs to look for when it comes to that job hunt stress.
1. Increased Anxiety
Feeling consistently anxious about job applications, interviews, and the uncertainty of the future. Anxiety can feed into many other factors of life. Don’t let anxiety spin out of control and make everything else worse. If you begin to feel anxious, be aware of other symptoms.
2. Depressive Symptoms
Feeling sad, hopeless, or experiencing a lack of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy. It’s hard to enjoy life when you don’t know when things will get better. You can’t take a vacation because money is in short supply and if you take a break from the job hunt, you feel guilty for not doing everything you can to fix what feels broken. It is a slippery slope.
3. Isolation
Withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities due to feelings of inadequacy or fear of judgment. Your friends will say things like “Something will come up”, “I am praying for you”, or “You just gotta keep applying, something right will come along.” This does not help and makes you feel like you aren’t good enough.
4. Decreased Self-Esteem
Feeling worthless or incompetent because of rejection or prolonged unemployment. These days, rejection is better than the silence that most job seekers feel during the hunt. Knowing you didn’t get the job is better than not knowing and hanging in limbo. It is like dangling that carrot of hope but you can never reach it.
5. Physical Symptoms
Experiencing physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue due to stress. These are exacerbated by anxiety and depression. Sleeplessness because of anxiety or stress, will play into your physical health declining because you can’t focus on taking care of yourself. This is a part of the cycle that continues to make everything else feel worse.
6. Procrastination
Avoiding job search tasks or procrastinating on important deadlines due to feeling overwhelmed or hopeless. If you stop searching for jobs, you feel like you are not doing your job. You are distracted by the what-if’s while you work on other things. Even if you are currently employed, this can take away from your focus and efficiency which adds to your lack of fulfillment.
7. Negative Thought Patterns
Engaging in negative self-talk, catastrophizing, or having irrational beliefs about the job search process. It feels more realistic to focus on the negative because it does start to feel like nothing is going to come your way. The job market is bad, there are no jobs, and other things swirl in your head, or you read about them while hunting for more jobs. This is a tide that is hard to keep back.
8. Substance Abuse
Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a way to cope with stress or negative emotions. Some ‘band-aids’ will help with a momentary reprieve from negative thoughts. People try and numb the stress with things that will help temporarily. But at the end of the day, you still have to face the fact that the job search is ongoing and that is a tough pill to swallow when you started off so hopeful.
9. Sleep Disturbances
Experiencing difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or having nightmares related to the job search. Anxiety, appetite, stress, and the inability to calm thoughts can all lead to disturbing sleep schedules. The lack of sleep will not only affect the mental health of a job seeker but the emotional and physical health as well.
Know the Signs and Get Help
If you or someone close to you notices any of these signs, it’s essential to prioritize self-care and seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals. Taking breaks, practicing relaxation techniques, and engaging in activities that bring you joy can help alleviate some of the stress associated with job hunting.
Seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor can provide you with strategies to cope with your emotions and navigate the challenges of the job search more effectively. Look into ways of organizing and scheduling your job search to increase efficiency and set boundaries for yourself and the job hunt.
