Asad Riaz Bhatti

Psychological aftermath of layoffs

Many people do not realize that there is a direct connection between their  emotional state and their level of success at work. When someone loses employment, they have many emotions to process which range from embarrassment to frustration to betrayal. They are petrified about how they will feed their family or pay their bills. The mere thought of being unable to do so is excruciating.

During the Covid pandemic, lay-offs took place more frequently which resulted in people having serious mental health concerns amid stress and depression. In some cases, PTSD or other mental illnesses have also occurred.

As a coping mechanism, denial is a common reaction to almost all losses. It is a way to get through the first few days and weeks after losing your job. Denial is a natural defense mechanism that empowers us to get through traumatic events. It enables us to believe that we are in control of our lives even when things have gone drastically wrong. However, prolonged denial can be unhealthy for people.

In particular, you may question your abilities and how well you perform in your job. You may feel like a failure if you  have been let go from a position that requires many years of experience or skills. You might also think that the company made a mistake in hiring you in the first place, leading to feelings of intense shame and guilt.

Moreover, when a job is taken away from someone, they can no longer rely on the regular income and structure that comes with working at that company. They are forced to scramble for new work as quickly as possible to keep up with their bills and other financial obligations. Feelings of hopelessness can compound this sense of helplessness: if there are no jobs for me now or in the future, why bother trying? What’s the point? Changing moods and constant difficulty in sleeping can also happen.

In some cases, people may even develop suicidal ideation (i.e., thoughts about wanting to take their own life).

Fear of the unknown is a natural emotion among those who were laid off. You have been working for years with the same people, have been loyal and suddenly you are told that you are no longer needed. The whole situation changed as well as your income. How will you pay for your health insurance or where will you live as you won’t be able to pay the rent? Some people fear losing their families and friends during the process because they do not want their loved ones to feel sorry for them. While some laid-off employees feel uncomfortable discussing their issues with their family and friends, there are those who don’t have anyone to talk to.

Feeling isolated is also natural as it is something that many people work with after losing their jobs. To overcome these feelings, you should reach out to friends and family members who understand what you are going through. If it isn’t feasible owing to distance or other limitations, try joining an online or in-person support group where individuals are going through comparable experiences at this point.

Often, after a layoff, you might find yourself experiencing intense mood swings. Even though this happens to many people and is usually nothing to worry about, it can be a sign that you need a therapist. The sudden loss of structure in your life can also trigger stress-related mood swings. These changes might include sleeping difficulties, change in appetite that might lead to weight gain/loss and persistent fatigue.

One may also experience physiological symptoms like headaches or digestive problems. These symptoms, while making it difficult for people to focus, lead to emotional instability and psychological distress. These unresolved issues may manifest themselves in various ways, depending on how you have been feeling lately. The vicious cycle continues until everything comes crashing down at once; perhaps one day you wake up feeling terrible after sleeping poorly because the house was too quiet. All these feelings rush back because everyone else appears fine.

Losing a job can cause stress, depression or PTSD, so you must reach out or get help from a professional if you need it. Seek support from trusted friends and family members but remember that a therapist (counselor) or a doctor can help you sort through your feelings and find ways to cope with the changes in your life.

Take time for yourself – It’s normal for people who are grieving over layoffs to feel overwhelmed by sadness, anger, or anxiety. However, it is also important not to let those feelings take over your life completely. Consider spending time with your family and friends while you still have your finances intact. Think about trying something new like volunteering or attending yoga classes at the gym as an outlet for stress relief. Sometimes, all it takes is one small change in a routine before we start feeling like ourselves again.

Seek out opportunities in new situations – When coping with depression after losing a job, a change in environment can do wonders. Get out and spend time in nature when possible.

Since losing a job can be traumatic, it is important to remember that you are not alone. However, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms or other stress-related issues like insomnia, hypersomnia, or anxiety, you should seek psychological assistance.

Times have changed. Now when you seek counseling, it does not mean you hear voices. It simply means you want to eliminate negativity and damaged goods to favour productivity and growth. Counseling can help in removing brain fog to provide clarity.