Crippling Depression After Job Loss

Question

I was forced to resign (or be fired) from a once in a lifetime job on March 13 that I spent thousands that I didn’t have to relocate for. Now I am battling crippling depression that is preventing me from pursuing legal action (my resignation was requested at a meeting that was supposed to be about an ADA accommodation) or really doing anything at all. I am no stranger to depression and with all the other terrible stuff happening in the world, I am not shocked by my feelings. But I am frustrated that I can’t move forward or even deal with life. I feel like the lowest piece of garbage alive. I have only been in my new city for a few months, so I have no support system here. I am drowning! Any guidance would be so greatly appreciated.

elwhite1980 · Answer

Hello! I am sorry to hear about your current circumstances. If you'd like to do something good for yourself today, right now, start listening to Life Coach trainer, Brooke Castillo. She is for real and has over 300 episodes online for free. She's done a new episode every day for the last 6 days (where she normally produces one per week) about the stresses of the Corona Virus world we are all dealing with. I would highly encourage you to listen to these recent episodes, then go back and scroll through the site to learn to understand her 'Model' technique she uses. There are so many excellent mental 'helps' that can lift your heart and mind out of your depression if you will apply them. She has helped me to think, feel and act differently in so many ways. Blessings! Here's her website: https://thelifecoachschool.com/podcasts/

Anonymous · Answer

You are so much stronger than the sum of your struggles! The purpose of obstacles are not for them to defeat us, but for us to defeat them and show the power of our lives! After decades of depression, I am finally starting to see my way through it. I have a fantastic therapist. I no longer take medication, but I probably should (I don’t have health insurance at this time). I fight my demons almost every minute of every day. I cannot imagine how you must be feeling, but I can say that there is a way through this where you will flourish. Professionally, emotionally, financially, physically, spiritually. Please try to contact the resources mentioned in previous replies. Get in touch with the attorney. Cry and scream as you update your resume. Blow your nose as you leave voicemails for people who can help. Cry some more as you contact faith leaders and good friends/family that will hold your hand without judgement. Every time you fall down (figuratively), get back up. Take some action, little baby steps, every single day. I know I sound dramatic, but I have been in some VERY dark places and can relate to what feels like complete hopelessness. It might take 100 people reaching out, but person 101 might be what it takes to get you back in the game. I’m happy to be one of those people for you.

Sharmil McKee · Answer

I am so sorry that this is happening to you! virtual {{{hug}}}. Depression is hard. Losing your job is harder. You have the right to feel lost and betrayed. They lied to you and cheated you. You did nothing wrong. Your feelings are normal, yes even your depression is a normal response to this.  The good news is that you have plenty of time to file a lawsuit. (I am not a lawyer anymore, so I can't give you legal advice, but I can point you to reliable resources.) Even if they gave you a severance package, you have time to consider it.  So, there is no rush. Focus on your healing, right now. Be kind to yourself and cut yourself a little break. If you have health care, please call a therapist. If not, then use a virtual therapist, like Better Help. Better Help offers financial aid for unemployed people. I used them and they helped me also. I also used some apps to work on my mood and self-esteem. I like MoodPath, Headspace, and MoodTools. MoodPath and MoodTools are free. Headspace has some free, but very useful features. Did I mention that I was forced to resign from my job too in January, after they hired me only 4 months prior?   Head spinning. Combine that situation with the coronavirus-isolation and you can start to see the size of this problem. So, please understand me when I say that you are not alone. You have a virtual community, here. We are your support system. Take it one minute at a time.

Megan Smolen · Answer

Nabila, I'm so sorry to hear. Thanks so much for taking the time to share this with the FGB Community. We're here for you!

Katie Henderson Ladyboss752675 · Answer

I don't know your location, but I hope it's sunny. Low levels of vitamin D3, the sunshine vitamin, can exacerbate depression, so make sure you are getting enough. You have good tips from your FGB support group, so continue to post here.  Use your time on unemployment to strengthen yourself emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Visualize yourself on the other side of this setback while you take at least one positive action every day. We're pulling for you!

Rebecca Lee V · Answer

I also struggle with depression and lately it has been getting the better of me. What helps is to remind myself this is not the end of the road and there i someone who will appreciate what I can bring to the table. You re in the prefect community of that. Be strong and we are here for you.

Crippling Depression After Job Loss

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