Career Transitions & Depression

If you are undergoing a career transition, this might be a stressful time for you. Job loss is usually one of the top five reasons for depression in adults. Even if your job switch was your idea, the transition still can cause feelings of sadness and anxiety. While it is beneficial to know this is a common feeling among adults, it is more important to know what you can do about it.

The Steps of Change

• Peter Fiske, in his article "Coping With Change," indicates that changing careers, especially one in which you've invested a lot of time and energy, can cause depression in adults. He lists the four steps of change, equivalent to four phases of career-related depression, as denial, resistance, exploration and commitment. He also states that we can expect to encounter anywhere from three to five major career changes in our lifetimes.

Denial

• One stage of career transition includes denial, which encompasses the feeling that if you're the best, you'll get the job. This feeling might fail to take into account what is happening in the economic climate around you. Take stock of what is going on in the job market and adjust your expectations accordingly. You might have to look for other types of work, even temporarily, until the job market improves.

Resistance, Exploration and Commitment

• Another step of career transition involves resistance, where feelings of sadness, anger and depression may surface. Exploration involves getting to the phase where you realize there must be answers to your situation. Commitment is the last step, where you change your attitude and take proactive and positive steps to look for a new job, such as sending out your resume or attending job fairs.

Career Transition Causing Depression

• While depression can happen to anyone without the existence of an outside stressor, the presence of a major change in your life can trigger depression. You might be angry at yourself for your uncertain future. Depression is essentially anger turned inward, and it can happen at any stage of your life. Career transition is among the top causes of depression, which include death of a loved one, moving, divorce, retirement and children leaving home.

Combatting Career-Related Depression

• If you experience career-related depression, there are things you can do to quell the distressing thoughts you are having. Perhaps most important, especially if your depression is severe, is to see a therapist.

Other Actions

• There are many things you can do do deal with depression, especially if it is not severe. Exercise. Go to a job fair or a state-run career center. Join a support group geared to your specific situation, such as one for unemployed professionals. Volunteer in an entirely different job; you might end up enjoying this new field.

Other Courses of Action

• Find inexpensive or free seminars and attend local functions, such as Chamber of Commerce meetings or parties. Networking is the key; not only will it provide you with human contact, but it may help you find your next career.