Coping with job loss

The recent economic crisis is impacting on Scottish companies, causing increased levels of stress and anxiety for individuals and families because of uncertainty, debt or unemployment.

If you are affected by any of these concerns, this section gives you advice on maintaining your wellbeing in these difficult times and offers guidance on where to go for services that may be able to help you.

Maintaining wellbeing

• Stress from being unemployed can affect your physical and mental health.

• Talk to family, friends and colleagues; express your feelings and concerns.

• Find a support group for people in similar circumstances. Look in the local library or ask your GP for your local group.

• Look after yourself. Give your body enough sleep and rest.

• Drink sensibly. Excessive drinking is ineffective and an expensive way to deal with difficult feelings. The effects of alcohol on mood are short-lived and when the drink wears off, you will feel worse. Too much alcohol doesn’t solve problems, it creates them.

• Eat healthily. Concentrate on fibre rich food such as wholemeal bread, fruit, vegetables and fish. Drink plenty of water.

• Keep active. Physical activity stimulates production of endorphins, the body's natural antidepressants. It will make you feel energised and positive.

• Ask for help. Look for all possible sources of support among individuals, groups and organisations. If coping is getting hard, don’t hesitate to contact your GP.

• You may benefit from talking to a counsellor or a therapist. They provide regular emotional support and guidance.

Taking care of yourself will help you to stay in good shape so you are able to cope well with life’s difficulties. It will also prepare you for your return back to work when a job opportunity comes up.

The impact of unemployment

Work plays an important role in many people’s lives. It provides money and a source of social support. Many people feel that their job defines them and their place in the world, so losing that job can feel like a loss of status and even a loss of identity. This can affect confidence and self-esteem.

If you lose your job the most important source of support is strong relationships with family and friends. It is therefore important to talk openly about your feelings with those who care about you. In situations that leave you angry, confused or sad, family and friends can lift up your spirits and keep you motivated.

Children need to feel included in what is going on too. It is best to explain the situation to them in ways they will understand, according to their age. Reassure them that unemployment is not forever and that their routines of school and play will still continue. Children are very observant and if they know what is actually going on they will be a source of strength. If you can maintain a positive vibe yourself, children can help keep everyone else going during a period of stress.

Facing unemployment

If you are out of work, it is important to register and claim for benefit support as soon as possible, or you could be overwhelmed by accommodation and other living costs. If you are unemployed and looking for work, or working less than 16 hours a week, you could claim Jobseekers Allowance (you must be over 18 years old).

Consider any job you can do, including part time and casual work. These jobs can lead to full-time work, so don’t ignore them.

Networking and keeping up-to-date with any information which leads to jobs is essential. Ask friends, relatives and colleagues about work.

Offer your time as a volunteer. Volunteer work is rewarding and gives you an opportunity to meet other people in a similar situation and you may learn new skills.

Unemployment can be hard to cope with, but you needn’t struggle on your own. There are services developed to offer advice and support to people in difficult circumstances.

Useful contacts

Jobcentre Plus
0845 60 60 234
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

Volunteer Centre Network Scotland
www.volunteerscotland.org.uk

Department for Work and Pensions
(DWP)
www.dwp.gov.uk

For advice on finances:

Citizens Advice Direct
www.citizensadvicedirect.org.uk
0844 848 9600

National Debtline
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
0808 808 4000

For advice on how to cope and for
emotional support:

Breathing Space Scotland
www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk
0800 83 85 87

Samaritans
www.samaritans.org
email: jo@samaritans.org
 08457 90 90 90

SANE
www.sane.org.uk
email: info@sane.org.uk
0845 767 8000

***       Many thanks to NHS Bristol and their leaflet, Coping with the Stress of Job Loss