Handling Unemployment Stress

Provided by Diane Lang
By: Gina Cappiello

The psychological impact of being unemployed can be overwhelming. MA Therapist and educator Diane Lang says symptoms of unemployment stress can include:

• Change in sleeping habits (insomnia, trouble falling asleep, trouble waking up, etc)
• Change in eating habits (overeating or neglecting to eat)
• Social withdrawal and/or isolation
• Back, neck and joint pain
• Frequent illness
• Fatigue/lack of energy
• No desire to pursue hobbies/interests
• Lack of focus and concentration

Sound like something that you or someone you know may be experiencing? Here are some helpful tips from Lang on how to deal with the stress in healthy ways:

Find support
Having the right support group there for you through these tough times is key to beating unemployment stress. “Make sure to have friends and family members that are supportive and non-judgmental who will listen,” Lang says. If you don’t know anyone in your situation, “There are support groups for unemployed individuals,” says Lang, where people in the same situation discuss their feelings and offer suggestions on how to cope. Lang also suggests speaking with a professional who can offer some insight. “If you don't have benefits, try finding a counselor who offers a sliding scale (reduced pricing.”

Keep to a routine
“This keeps a sense of normalcy,” says Lang. Since work has been taken out of the routine, try to structure a day around other activities. Wake up at a designated time and carry out tasks on a schedule to stay occupied. Looking for a job is a full-time job in and of itself so treat it as such by spending your work day searching, networking, and planning your next steps.

Exercise
Start moving around! “3 -4 times a week of walking or running is enough is reduce your stress hormones and increase your endorphins,” says Lang, which naturally make you feel happier.
“Exercise will also help keep you healthy mentally and physically,” says Lang, “Especially if you’re not eating or sleeping well due to depression and stress.”

Have fun
Take the time to enjoy life. “These moments give us bursts of happiness,” Lang says. Call up a friend, indulge in your hobby, read, cook— whatever you want! Looking for a new way to have fun? Try volunteering for a local charity. “It’s good for your resume and your happiness levels,” says Lang. “It also gives you a sense of community and socialization for free.” Who knows? “It's also good for networking and could turn into a job!” says Lang.

Communicate
“Make sure to talk with your spouse and kids,” says Lang. Having an open dialogue with them about your struggles and triumphs during unemployment will keep them informed about what you are going through. “They are probably feeling stressed and worried, too,” says Lang, which is why it is important to speak with them about what is happening and address their concerns.

Stay positive
Take the optimistic route and always focus on the silver lining to the cloud. “For example,” says Lang, “I may be unemployed BUT I get to spend more time with my kids, finish writing the book I started 6 months ago, and catch up with friends.”


Workshops:
Free workshop- Tuesday, October 26th, 7pm - Stony Point Library, Rockland county, NY
Workshop on creating balance & relieving anxiety
register at 845-786-2100

Free Webinar on Wednesday, October 27th at 7pm -learn different tips on creating balance and stress management from the comfort of your own home

Listen to Momsthewordshow.com or 560 am radio for this week's show where I discuss Seasonal Disorder - what is it? signs/symptoms, treatment options.

For more information on Diane Lang visit her website: www.dlcounseling.com or e-mail Lifeline36@aol.com