Let’s Talk About Mental Health After a Layoff…

We need to talk more about mental health after layoffs, particularly with the uptick in layoffs we are seeing on the Federal level all of the sudden.

The emotional weight of losing a steady paycheck hits a person hard, and it’s impossible to overstate the toll it can take on most people.

One day, you’ve got stability, a sense of direction, and a clear path ahead. The next, you’re staring down a barrel of doubt, dread, and overwhelming stress.

• Will there be money coming in soon?
• How long until the next gig?
• Can the bills get paid?

Tragically, I’ve also known someone who couldn’t bear the strain of an abrupt layoff and the grueling job hunt that followed and it was a factor in them taking their own life.

If someone in your circle is reeling from a layoff, reach out.

Ask what they need. Offer a fresh take on their resume. Better yet, pass it along to your company’s hiring team. Share a LinkedIn shout out about their talents and experience. Link them up with a contact who could open doors.

Provide a solid reference or a bit of hard-earned advice.

Don’t buy the “I’m fine” mask they might wear, those hiding the most pain often seem the cheeriest.

A quick “Hey, you’re on my mind” could honestly be a lifeline.

And if you’re the one barely hanging on, please seek help. Call 988 at anytime for immediate help with serious thoughts of suicide or if you are in crisis.

I promise, no job is worth it, and there are other ways to keep going when the bottom drops out.