Depression erodes your strength, mentally and physically, that is needed to get to your goals. Difficulties at work, especially job loss, can cause depression.
According to WebMD, symptoms of depression include:
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Being tired and without energy
- Trouble getting to sleep or feeling sleepy during the day
- Feelings of being “sped up” or “slowed down”
- Weight loss or gain
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Loss of interest or pleasure in your activities
- Thoughts of suicide
When you feel your worst, it is hard to be and do your best.
You can overcome depression by “pressing on toward your goal” through personal strength training, which creates much needed energy and endurance. You will need to build your strength for the journey ahead – and with strength comes courage.
Consider these strength-training tips:
Physically
See a physician for a checkup. Pay attention to your nutrition; cut calories and fat; reduce caffeine and alcohol. Exercise 3-5 times a week, if a doctor approves. Get at least 7 hours of sleep a night.
Mentally
Feed your mind good thoughts. Spend time with good friends. Do things you enjoy. Be sure to spend some time alone to rejuvenate. Do nothing and give your brain a break.
Spiritually
Spend time alone with God every day by praying and reading the Bible. Start with 10 minutes, then go to 20 minutes and more. Get together with others for Bible study, prayer and fellowship.
Get Help
Financial stress can turn a difficult situation really sour. Two ways to alleviate financial pressure are to earn more and spend less. Since you have more control over spending than earning, look at your spending habits and financial obligations. If you don’t have a budget, create one, especially in light of understanding the income and benefits needed from a job. If you have debt, add it up and pay it down. The less income you need, the more freedom you have to accept the right job for you. For more help, connect with Compass-finances God’s way.
Family problems might get worse in the midst of a career crossroads, but they can also improve! Husbands and wives have opportunities to love, respect and support one another. Communication, collaboration and commitment are critical components to working together. Do not withdraw, but rather stay connected not only to each other, but also to family, friends and church. For more help, contact: Focus on the Family.
Personal issues can be faced better with someone with whom you can talk. Find a person who cares about you, who you trust, who has no vested interest in what you decide, and who seems to have competency to help: your church pastor or care ministry, your best friend or a professional counselor. For more help, contact the American Association of Christian Counselors.
As you press on toward the goal, remember the ultimate source of help and strength:
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary;
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31
Learn how to set and get goals. Download our 1-page devotional Your Hope and Future. Discover how to overcome anger, fear and depression and stepping up your Attitude, step 2 of 7 steps in our Crossroads Career Work Book
Help us help others. Donate to Crossroads Career today.
Comments 4
It’s easy to get discouraged during a job search. I once heard there are no microwaves in God’s kitchen, only crockpots. It’s important to press into God during these difficult times and trust his promises. He is preparing us for the next step of the journey and wastes nothing. I really like the one page weekly progress sheet Crossroads offers. Staying focused on what went well last week, and what one wants to accomplish in the coming week is a great tool to stay on track and avoid navel gazing.
Great encouragement! In my current job search, I have a tendency to get down, which leads to procrastination and poorly focused job search activities. The mix of advice that you offered was great – a call to keep going, but also some practical tips to build strength. I tend to feel guilty when taking time to do some of the tips, but this post helped me put that into a better perspective. I can trust God to provide for all my needs during this job search, body, mind, and spirit. MDD
Excellent ideas, I believe it is very important not to punish your self because of a job loss. at this time you need balance in all areas and you also need to reword your self with little tings to make your self feel good about your situation, and how you are working toward your goal.
The personal testimony of my own “crossroads” is littered with these symptoms and is what drives my passion for the role I have in ou church ministry . An overwhelming number of people we serve experience such symptoms and the related problems and is WHY churches need a career ministry. I am convinced that a correct identity in Christ, not our job title, and learning our unique design is Crucial in winning this spiritual battle.
A strange coincidence …..as I recently reviewed our middle schoolers athletic programs concussion policy , I noticed that many of the symptoms of a concussion are similiar to those of depression.
Not suprising as the loss of a job hits us very hard.