Depressed After Being Laid Off? Here's What You Can Do

Losing your job can feel like the ground has been pulled out from under you. Whether you saw it coming or it caught you off guard, a layoff can trigger a wave of emotions that feel overwhelming. It's normal to experience sadness, anxiety, or even depression. You might question your worth, worry about finances, or feel untethered from the routine and identity your work provided.

For many women, these feelings can be compounded by additional pressures. You might worry about providing for your family, managing childcare, or maintaining the professional identity you've worked hard to build. The good news is that you don't have to navigate this period alone, and there are concrete steps to support your mental health and move forward.

Understanding the Emotional Impact of a Layoff

When you lose your job, you face a major life change that can affect your well-being. Emotions like shock, fear, anger, and shame are common. You may notice your self-esteem slipping or feel unmotivated to do activities you usually enjoy.

Depression and anxiety often follow a job loss. You may have trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, or persistent worry about the future. Women, in particular, may face additional challenges. You might feel pressure to "bounce back" quickly, worry about financial independence, or struggle with household responsibilities. Your body may respond with headaches, fatigue, or digestive issues as stress takes its toll.

Coping Strategies and Self-Care

Self-care is essential right now. Maintain connections with supportive people; talk to friends, family, or peers about what you're going through, and accept their help. You don’t have to manage this alone. Try to nurture yourself with activities that bring comfort or joy. Take a bath, listen to music, spend time in nature, or meditate. Writing in a journal can help you work through worries.

Your physical health also affects your emotional state. Exercise regularly (even a short walk), pay attention to sleep patterns, and eat balanced meals. You may want to limit alcohol use, which can worsen depression and anxiety.

Practical Steps for Moving Forward

Allow yourself to grieve, but avoid dwelling indefinitely. Creating a daily routine provides structure, so set wake-up times, plan meals, and schedule activities that help you regain control.

When you're ready to get back to it, take stock of your skills and experience. Consider courses, certifications, or a career shift. Break down your job search into manageable steps: update your resume one day, contact someone in your network the next, attend an event later in the week.

Don't be afraid to explore new possibilities. A layoff may open doors to side projects, consulting, entrepreneurship, or turning a hobby into income. Stay open to options you may not have considered before.

Seeking Support and Professional Help

Persistent depression, anxiety, or hopelessness signals it’s time to seek help. Therapy provides a safe space to process emotions and develop coping strategies. Support groups for people who have experienced layoffs can also offer connection and understanding, as sharing your story reduces isolation.

Take time to talk with your family about shifts in household responsibilities or childcare arrangements to ease stress.

Maintaining Hope and Resilience

A layoff is a temporary setback, not a reflection of your worth. Your job does not define you, even when it feels closely tied to your identity.

Focus on strengths and celebrate small wins: updating LinkedIn, networking, or simply navigating a tough day. Visualize desired outcomes, whether landing a fulfilling position or discovering a new career path.

Give yourself grace. Recovery and finding your footing take time, so be as compassionate with yourself as you would be with a close friend. This challenging chapter can lead to growth and opportunities you haven’t yet imagined.

–

If you’ve just been laid off, women’s counseling with our team can help. We provide support and guidance to help you navigate this transition with compassion.