Anxiety and depression from unemployment and more

[Anonymous9319]

Hi everyone,

I had been long term unemployed since I completed TAFE in 2013 and did not have any friends either. I developed social anxiety, depression and a sense of worthlessness. I recently found work in 2020. However, I entered the job feeling scared and that I wasn't capable which ultimately led to me being fired. Some members of my family make fun of me for my unemployment as well which only makes me feel worse. I hate visiting my family members because I know that they are judging me and think I am a lazy piece of garbage. The only person in the world that I feel actually supports me is my Mum otherwise I'm alone in the world. I have lost my motivation and have no idea what I want to do with my life. I blame myself for my situation and I hate myself. I was bullied in highschool which has traumatised me and I constantly find myself thinking about the experiences I had in highschool as if I was still there. To sum it all up, my life and mental health is a mess.

[Petal22]

Hi Anonymous 9319,

Wellcome to our forums!

Im sorry you are feeling this way.

Im sorry that you were bullied in high school that must have been hard and that family members make fun of you for being unemployed, that’s really not needed they should be trying to encourage you not make fun of you.

Have you thought about speaking to your gp about the way you are feeling? You could do a mental health plan together this will enable you to see a psychologist.

[Mark Z.]

Hi Anonymous9319,

Welcome to the BB forum.

I'm sorry about what you've experienced. I'm not a mental health professional but I've been working as HR manager for many year. I'd like to encourage you not to give up hope. The economy is gradually on track to recover. The pandemic is almost reshaping everything, many jobs are disappearing but more opportunities are emerging. The overall market demand to the workforce is strong.

Some suggestions for you:

1. Do some research about the trend of latest opportunities at the moment and match with your interest and capabilities. If it requires new training or study, plan for it.

2. Start from an easy job, better a part-time one, to give yourself more time to prepare, practice, summarize and improve.

3. Engage a career coach if you want. Tailored coach according to your situation should be helpful.

Those who made fun of you are absolutely wrong. Sooner or later they will see you shine.

Mark