Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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Given up

TotalRegret
TotalRegret

So, I'm a professional with over 20yrs experience in my industry. Three years ago, I had a complete breakdown, was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and placed on long-term disability (which finished this month), ultimately, losing my job. As I've gone through my long and arduous recovery, I've pushed myslef to get back into the work-place. I've been applying for jobs for the past 15months and have now applied for 200 positions at around the same level of seniority as before. For the most part, the response has been no response; some, I've had phone interviews but they've gone no further, and I've had face-to-face interviews at 3 companies. At one place, they essentially gave me the job on the spot, except they hadn't actually created the role yet (so why the hell fly me from one side of the country to the other?). The other two, after a long waiting period, got back to me with "sorry, but we gave it to the other candidate, but you did well to get down to the last two out of the hundreds of candidates." Really? That makes me feel so much better!!


Thursday was one of the worst days of my life and pretty much went like this:


1. Recruiter email: That company who wants to bring you in for a face-to-face (me being 1 of 2 final listed candidates), well, they've decided they don't know when the role will be opened, so it's on-hold.


2. Phone call from Life Insurance company: You're no longer covered (which was my Plan B), but we've sent you a letter to explain how you can open a new policy with us (which will not cover suicide within the first 2yrs)


3. Recruiter: That job I put you forward for, it's been pulled.


4. Email response from a company (which are kind of rare now): Thanks, but no thanks


5. Phone call from company I'd just interviewed with: Sorry, but we gave it to the other candidate


During this time, I have sold everything and anything I have of value (motorcycles, guitars etc), but now, I'm done. I've got nothing left. My house is likely to be foreclosed. My marriage has been completely destroyed. My kid has been offered a place at a very prestigous college and I can't afford to pay anything. And the bank account is empty. Seriously, I don't know where to go from here - I'm at a complete loss. I have given up all hope of returning to work and providing for my family. In fact, I've pretty much given up hope on everything!

Community LeaderWanderingVet
WanderingVet
You are getting more job seeking action than a lot of other people. STAY ON IT. Few jobs come looking for the job seeker. Many good things happen in the nick of time.
djchurn
djchurn
I too suffered through a year-long job search during with my wife had here first manic/depressive episode. I was feeling low daily and only later in life when I could not find gainful employment in my field I elected to go to a bog box store for my mental health. Even though it did not work out well it was not a mistake for a couple years due to it keeping my mind away from real issues that I could not change easily. This proved to be as effective as the coping mechanisms I still use now in my retirement. Exercise was utilized back then but not to the degree I use it now. I put myself on a "'working schedule" while still out of work. This improved my ability to present myself positively in interviews and accept rejections which I regarded as the nature of the job market. The job market is changing and I am glad that I am no longer in it. I was at a family high level in retail management. another option might be to investigate opportunities in other industries that are growing such as managed health care for the elderly. You can interview on the premise that you are looking to change from an industry with no future. This will introduce yourself to a prospect employer as some one who has made critical decisions and that you are flexible. I know of at least one person who changed industries in this manner and it it worth a try.