The Truth About Mental Health While Unemployed—And How I’m Fighting Back

I’ve been unemployed for five months. That’s five months of waking up every morning without a job to do, without a team to lead, without emails waiting for my response. Five months of silence.

I knew losing my job would be hard. What I didn’t expect was the sheer weight of it—the way it chips away at your confidence, your sense of purpose, and even your identity.

No one really talks about what happens after the first few weeks. At first, there’s a flurry of activity—fixing up your résumé, networking, applying to jobs. But then? Then the silence creeps in.

And that silence? It’s lonely in ways I never could have imagined.

The Loss of Routine Human Connection

When you have a job, you don’t even think about the routine interactions—meetings, emails, casual conversations. They’re just there.

When you’re unemployed, they’re gone overnight.

I don’t leave the house much. I walk my dog. But some days, I don’t speak to anyone at all.

At first, that was fine. I told myself it was temporary. I used the time to focus on job searching and writing. But as the days stretched into weeks, and then into months, I realized just how much I missed human connection.

I used to be a leader, someone people turned to for advice, for solutions, for direction. Now? Some days I feel invisible. I feel like I don’t exist.

People don’t check in anymore—not because they don’t care, but because life moves on. Their lives are still filled with work, deadlines, meetings, and conversations. Mine is filled with waiting.

Some people might say, “Well, just go out! Meet up with people!” But it’s not that simple. When you’re in this phase of life, when you don’t have the answer to “What do you do?” anymore, it feels easier to retreat than to explain.

So I stay home. And the loneliness lingers.

The Loss of Productivity and Purpose

We don’t just need jobs for money—we need them to feel like we matter.

For years, my work gave me purpose. I was solving problems, leading teams, making an impact. I was constantly in motion, constantly contributing to something bigger than myself.

Now? Now, I spend my days applying for jobs and hoping someone notices.

At first, I tried to stay busy. I took online courses, earned certifications, and started writing.

Since being laid off, I’ve published 10 children’s books and 40 coloring books.

Not because I expect them to become bestsellers. Not because I’m chasing success in a new field.

I do it because I want to make a difference—even if that difference is only for one person.

Why I Write Children's Books

I think a lot about a child—one child—somewhere out there in the world. A child who is sad, who is struggling, who just needs a moment of joy.

And I hope that maybe, one day, they’ll pick up one of my books.

And for just a little while, they’ll feel something. Maybe they’ll smile. Maybe they’ll laugh. Maybe they’ll feel a little less alone.

And if even one child, one time, finds comfort in something I’ve written, then it will have all been worth it.

That’s why I do it.

Not for sales. Not for accolades. Just for them.

My children books are available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3QaktSl

Why I Create Coloring Books

I firmly believe that we are all over-connected to electronics. Phones, screens, notifications—they demand our attention, pulling us away from the present moment.

We need to reground ourselves.

We need something that lets us slow down, focus, and just be.

For me, mindful coloring is one of the easiest, most accessible ways to do that.

It’s not just about filling in lines with color—it’s about disconnecting from the noise, from the chaos, from the endless scrolling and emails and alerts.

It’s about getting lost in something simple. About being present.

And if even one person finds that moment of peace through one of my books, then that’s enough. That’s everything.

That’s why I continue writing and creating—because in a world that feels increasingly noisy, I believe there’s value in slowing down, in storytelling, in making space for something real.

If you’re curious about any of my books, they’re all here: https://amzn.to/414eV21.

My Side Projects Aren’t Arbitrary

They aren’t just “keeping busy” for the sake of distraction. They’re my way of trying—in some small way—to make the world a little better.

Even if that difference is for just one person.

And maybe that’s the real lesson here.

Maybe purpose isn’t about grand achievements or job titles or external validation.

Maybe purpose is just about showing up and trying to make something better—for yourself, for others, for someone you may never even meet.

The Rejection Feels Personal

I’ve applied to over 300 jobs. Some are roles I was doing 15–20 years ago. Some are stretch roles I know I could handle.

And yet—nothing.

Each rejection email stings. The ones that hurt the most are the ones that never come at all. The applications that vanish into the void, as if I was never even there.

It’s hard not to take it personally. It’s hard not to hear “we’ve decided to move forward with other candidates” as “you’re not good enough”.

The hardest part isn’t even the rejection—it’s the ghosting.

A few weeks ago, I had an interview lined up. I prepped, I rehearsed my answers, I logged into the Zoom call early to make sure everything was working.

And then I waited.

Five minutes past the scheduled time.

Ten minutes.

Fifteen.

Nothing.

I emailed the recruiter, thinking maybe I had the time wrong. No response.

I sat there staring at my screen, feeling like an idiot. Feeling unimportant.

How I’m Getting Through This

I don’t have all the answers. Some days, I feel like I have none at all.

But here’s what’s helped me survive:

1. Creating Structure (Even When It Feels Pointless)

Unemployment has no built-in schedule, so I made my own:

• 2 hours of job searching and applications
• 2 hours of writing and creativity
• 2 hours of learning or training
• 2 hours of personal projects

Most days, I still feel lost. But structure gives me a sense of control.

2. Writing

I don’t volunteer. I don’t have a community to lean on. But I have my words.

These posts? These articles? This is my contribution.

If even one person reads this and feels a little less alone, then maybe this experience isn’t meaningless after all.

3. Reminding Myself That This Too Shall Pass

Right now, everything feels uncertain. The rejection, the silence, the doubts—it’s exhausting.

But I know this isn’t forever.

I’ve been through tough times before. And every time, I’ve come out stronger.

This season of struggle is just that—a season. And while it’s painful, it’s also shaping me. Making me stronger. Making me more resilient.

I don’t know when this will end. I don’t know what my next role will be.

But I do know this: Brighter days are ahead.

If you’re struggling too, I hope you know this: You are not alone. And you will get through this.

So for now, we keep moving forward. One step, one job application, one day at a time.

Because this? This is not how our story ends.

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