Layoffs: How to not lose your confidence if you lose your job

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Mass layoffs have left thousands of people stranded without jobs, and with a heightened sense of self-doubt, stress, anxiety and even anger. It is important to deal with the mental health effects of losing a job in a positive way. We’re here to tell you how!

Layoffs happen year after season, season after season. Be it business giants or other medium small fish in the ecosystem, they intermittently undertake a firing spree, leaving several employees emotionally and mentally wounded. For some, the financial anxiety of losing a job is the real pinch. But for most, the emotional upheaval that a layoff brings, is the deeper wound that takes time to heal. So, the question is, how to deal with layoffs?

Losing a job, which not just pays off one’s bills but is a means to fulfill one’s passion, can crumble one’s confidence, lead to stress, anxiety, depression and anger. It may be normal to feel helpless, hapless and hopeless, all at the same time. But you’ve got to find inner strength to rebuild your confidence after a layoff, and bounce back!

How to manage the stress of layoffs

Losing a job can be one of the most stressful life events a person can experience, according to psychotherapist and life coach Dr Chandni Tugnait. And the side effects of stress aren’t good for anybody!

“Job loss is said to be the second in life stressors, after the death of a spouse or child. And it’s not just the loss of income that can be so damaging; it’s also the loss of status, routine, and a sense of purpose,” Dr Tugnait tells Health Shots.

What are some common feelings after being laid off?

The fear of being unemployed – suddenly – is legit! In addition to that comes the emotional impact which includes feelings of guilt, sadness, anger, betrayal, and shame. “All these factors can contribute to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),” adds Dr Tugnait.

A sudden layoff can lead to a mixture of emotions, topped by stress. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

People can go through different emotional stages of being laid off. In mental health parlance, layoffs can trigger ‘cluster feelings’ which may be normal to experience.

1. Anxiety, depression and desperation

The first step to handle being laid off is to acknowledge your feelings. It is also okay to seek social and professional support to start rebuilding your life and confidence after a layoff. “For those who have been laid off, seeking help from a professional early on, you can minimize the long-term effects of being laid off on your mental health,” says Dr Tugnait.

2. Shock, sadness and confusion

It’s okay to feel like you’ve lost your identity in the process of losing your job. This may be accompanied by a feeling of failure – of yourself or your family. But hey, it’s normal and there’s a way to cope with this negative health effect of a job loss. There’s a way to move on from failure.

“It is important to allow yourself to experience these emotions and to talk about them with someone who can understand and support you. Also, start journaling to release pent up emotions and to gain clarity on the path ahead,” advises Dr Tugnait.

Be it anger or depression – express what you feel instead of bottling up your emotions. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

3. Grief

If you’ve been a victim to mass layoffs, it’s natural to grieve. You may get sad, overthink about situations and get engulfed in self-doubt. But it’s okay. “This is not a time to beat yourself up or try to immediately find another job. Instead, take some time for self-care (if you can). Exercise, eat healthy food, get enough sleep, and spend time with supportive people,” says Dr Tugnait.

The expert believes these will help you to cope with the stress of unemployment and lay the groundwork for finding your next job. Simultaneously, you should also rebuild your confidence to start afresh with zeal.

5 tips to cope with the emotional impact of layoff

Give yourself time to handle the volley of emotions you may experience as you face a layoff. Follow these basic tips to survive the mental health effects of a layoff, suggests Dr Tugnait:

1. Acknowledge your feelings

It is normal to feel upset, scared and angry after a layoff. Don’t try to bottle up your emotions. Instead, allow yourself to grieve and process your emotions.

2. Seek social support:

Lean on your friends and family for emotional support during this difficult time. Don’t underestimate the importance of a strong support system as you grapple with the mental health impact of losing a job.

Lean on your support system if you’ve lost your job. Remember, talking helps! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

3. Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms:

Maintain a safe distance from alcohol or drugs. Instead of turning to these vices, opt for meditation or mindfulness as a healthy coping strategy.

4. Find a new purpose:

Once you’ve had time to process your layoff, start thinking about what’s next – what are your goals and how can you achieve them?

5. Seek professional help, if needed:

If your emotions are proving to be too much to handle on your own, consider seeking counseling or therapy.

Self confidence is the key to surviving layoffs

Eminent psychiatrist Dr Samir Parikh believes that while change is the only constant in life, and ups and downs are a part of the graph, you should never let an external circumstance question yourself. Self-belief and self-confidence, will in fact, be your greatest strengths when you may feel your weakest.

“If a company has decided for some reason to layoff a percentage of people and you happen to be in that, does not mean you don’t have worth. Remember, it won’t take anything away from your skill set, your ability, your past success and your future. And that belief is an absolute must,” asserts Dr Parikh.

Make your self-confidence your biggest strength! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

The road ahead after facing layoff

Anyone has lost a job must focus on:

* Carrying forward your learning
* Maintaining relationships
* Believing in yourself
* Looking for the next option
* Maintaining a regular healthy routine till you find the next option

Layoff anxiety is something everyone can experience every now and then. But you’ve got to focus on what you can control – in this case, your thoughts!

“If you feel you are now going through distress which is continuous, and it is affecting your quality of life, you should probably talk to a mental health expert. But when it comes to rebuilding confidence, just look at your past success and remember your strengths. They can never be taken away from you,” shares Dr Parikh.