Mental health is increasingly becoming a big issue among unemployed youth in Kenya.
At first, unemployment may have seemed like a welcome vacation. But soon, loneliness and discouragement sets in, and the world seems dark. Weight gain or loss, loss of social connection, unhealthy habits, and depression can become regular habits. But there are ways that you can prevent and attempt to overcome these hazards.
Here are tips to keep your mind and body as healthy as possible.
1. Get Organized
Organize yourself and find time to not think about your job search. When you are unemployed, you may have a tendency to watch TV all day, stay in bed, go out late at night, worry and get little or too much sleep. It’s easy to have your job search always in the back of your mind. However, excessive worry about your job search only increases your stress and keeps you from enjoying other aspects of your life. Set aside time each day to forget about your job search and do something you enjoy.
2. Focus on Your Positives
Losing a job is one of life’s most stressful experiences, and it is normal for you to feel angry, hurt, upset and helpless. Amidst the stress, it’s important to maintain a positive mindset. You don’t have a full-time job, but you do have valuable skills. Focus on those skills and find a way to use them to make some money.
3. Set Reasonable, Concrete Goals
Be realistic about the timeframe for gaining new employment, and understand that you are more than the situation. You may even end up shifting your career entirely, going for a new avenue that is closer to what you really want.
4. Stay fit
Working out can relieve symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Look for ways to keep your brain active during this time. Take new classes, learn new skills and keep your body as strong as possible. Your immune system needs to stay as strong as possible to handle any mental stress that may arise.
5. Spend Some Time Networking
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Make sure to continue interacting with people and building your network. You might even meet the person who will help you find your next job or an activity that will keep you busy during the time.
6. Volunteer
If you’re feeling stuck or isolated, consider devoting a certain number of hours each week to volunteering. Do you have a hobby that you’re devoted to? Or a cause you’ve always been supportive of? See if you can get involved. It could lead to an increased number of professional relationships, it can be a positive addition to your resume, and could possibly even result in a job opportunity.
7. Focus on What You Can Control
You can’t control whether or when an interviewer will call you back, or whether those networking contacts you emailed will provide you with any leads. If you feel yourself worrying about something that is out of your control, do something that you can control. By focusing on what you can do to help your job search, you will worry less about what is out of your hands.
It is important to talk to a professional if things are not working out. Do not be afraid to seek some extra help during this period. Remember, You are not alone.
