What do you do if you're laid off and struggling to maintain mental well-being?

1 Acknowledge your feelings

The first step is to acknowledge and accept your feelings, without judging yourself or denying them. It's normal to feel a range of emotions after a layoff, and you need to process them in a healthy way. You can do this by talking to someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or therapist, or by writing in a journal, meditating, or doing other activities that help you express yourself. Don't bottle up your feelings or isolate yourself from others who can support you.

2 Take care of yourself

The second step is to take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Being laid off can affect your sleep, appetite, energy, and mood, so you need to make sure you're getting enough rest, nutrition, exercise, and relaxation. You can also practice some self-care techniques, such as breathing exercises, mindfulness, gratitude, or positive affirmations, to reduce your stress and boost your self-esteem. Don't neglect your hobbies, interests, or passions, as they can help you stay motivated and inspired.

3 Seek new opportunities

The third step is to seek new opportunities for your career and personal growth. Being laid off can be an opportunity to explore your options, learn new skills, or pursue your goals. You can use your time to update your resume, portfolio, or website, research potential employers or clients, network with other professionals in your field, or take online courses or workshops to enhance your lead generation skills. You can also volunteer for a cause you care about, join a community group, or start a side project, to keep yourself busy and productive.

5 Seek professional help

The fifth step is to seek professional help if you're struggling to cope with the impact of being laid off on your mental health. You don't have to deal with this alone, and there are resources and services available to help you. You can consult your doctor, a mental health counselor, or a career coach, who can offer you advice, support, and treatment. You can also look for online or local support groups, where you can connect with other people who are going through the same situation and share your experiences and tips.

6 Be flexible and adaptable

The sixth step is to be flexible and adaptable to the changing circumstances and opportunities. Being laid off can be a challenging and uncertain time, but it can also be a time of growth and transformation. You can use your lead generation skills to adapt to the new demands and expectations of the market, to create value and solve problems for your potential employers or clients, and to showcase your creativity and innovation. You can also be open to new possibilities and opportunities, and embrace the changes and challenges that come your way.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?