Whether you've been made redundant, are between roles, or have been out of work for some time, the impact on your mental health can be profound and wide-ranging. Losing a job can be one of the most difficult experiences in a person's life.

You are not alone, and how you're feeling makes sense.

How unemployment can affect your mental health

Work gives many of us more than an income. It can provide structure, purpose, social connection, and a sense of identity. When that is suddenly taken away, it is natural to feel unsettled, anxious, or low.

Some of the mental health effects commonly associated with unemployment include:

Anxiety and worry

Financial pressure, uncertainty about the future, and the pressure of job searching can all contribute to heightened anxiety. This may show up as difficulty sleeping, physical tension, or a constant sense of dread.

Low mood and depression

Prolonged periods without work can chip away at self-esteem and motivation. Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness are common, particularly if job searching is taking longer than expected.

Loss of routine and purpose

A structured day gives many people a sense of grounding. Without it, it can be difficult to know how to fill time meaningfully, which can deepen feelings of disconnection.

Social withdrawal

When work is a primary source of social contact, losing a job can lead to isolation. This can quickly become a cycle, where low mood makes it harder to reach out, and isolation deepens low mood.

Grief and shock

Redundancy in particular can feel like a loss, especially if you were attached to your role, your team, or your sense of professional identity. It is completely valid to grieve that.

Redundancy and mental health

Being made redundant is not a reflection of your worth or your ability. Redundancy happens for organisational reasons, and it can still feel deeply personal.

It is common to experience a period of shock immediately after being told you are at risk of, or have been made redundant. You may feel a mixture of relief, anger, sadness, or disbelief, sometimes all at once. These reactions are all normal.

If you are going through redundancy, giving yourself time and space to process the experience matters. Try not to pressure yourself into having everything figured out immediately.

Looking after your mental health during unemployment

There are things you can do to support your wellbeing while navigating a period out of work.

Keep some structure in your day

You do not need to fill every hour with job applications. Building in regular times to eat, move, and rest can help maintain a sense of stability.

Set small, manageable goals

Rather than measuring progress only by whether you have found a new role, try setting smaller goals, such as updating your CV, connecting with someone in your network, or completing a short online course.

Stay connected

Reach out to friends, family, or former colleagues. Talking about how you are feeling, or simply spending time with people you trust, can ease the sense of isolation that often comes with unemployment.

Be honest with yourself about how you are coping

It is easy to push through without checking in on how you are really doing. If low mood or anxiety is affecting your daily life, reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Limit time spent on job searching

Searching for work can feel relentless. Setting boundaries around how much time you spend applying each day can help protect your energy and avoid burnout.

When to seek support

If you have been experiencing low mood, anxiety, or other mental health difficulties for two weeks or more, it is worth speaking to your GP. They can talk through your options and refer you to relevant support.

You do not need to be in crisis to reach out. If you are struggling, support is available.

Where to get help

Mental Health Matters

We offer a range of mental health support services across England. Visit our services page to find out what is available in your area.

Hub of Hope

Hub of Hope is a national mental health support database where you can search for local services by postcode.

Samaritans

If you are struggling and need someone to talk to, Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 116 123, free from any phone.

Mind

Mind offers information and guidance on mental health, as well as information about your rights in the workplace.