Losing a job is a major life event that affects millions of people each year and can have a significant impact on mental health.

For many people, losing a job not only means the loss of income and benefits, but also the loss of one’s identity.

Job loss for people in the United States, a country where many people’s work and self-worth are interchangeable, often triggers feelings of sadness and loss or worsening depression symptoms.

If you’ve lost your job and are feeling worried and stressed, know that you’re not alone and that help is available.

The longer someone is unemployed in the United States, the more likely they are to experience symptoms of stress, anxiety, or depression.

According to 2024 global research, unemployment is strongly linked to increased rates of mental disorders, especially anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

According to 2019 research, part of the issue is that being out of work often means losing key aspects of daily life that support mental well-being, such as routine, social interaction, and a sense of purpose.

In the U.S., the current unemployment rate is 4.2%. Still, many Americans are feeling uncertain about the job market. A 2025 Gallup poll found that 58% of people think it’s a bad time to find a quality job, while only 38% say it’s a good time. This marks the most pessimistic view Gallup has recorded since 2021.

These findings highlight the strong connection between unemployment and mental health, and point to the need for policies that improve both access to stable jobs and mental health support.

It’s not uncommon to grieve the loss of a job. However, it’s important to remember that your career is not your identity.

Separating your self-worth from your job is especially important in the United States, where employment volatility has been on the rise for more than three decades.

The stages of grief in the wake of a job loss are much the same as the model of key emotional reactions to the experience of dying that Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross developed and outlined in her book “On Death and Dying.”

These key emotional stages include:

  • shock and denial
  • anger
  • bargaining
  • depression
  • acceptance and moving on

It’s particularly important for anyone who has recently experienced unemployment to realize that they’re far from being alone.

It’s also important to encourage them to reach out for support from:

  • friends and family
  • a counselor or therapist
  • a support group

In the wake of a job loss, you may find yourself in the position of being a stay-at-home parent while your partner becomes the primary source of income. This can lead to feelings of social isolation or a loss of self-worth.

The best solution may be to connect with others in a similar situation.

Joshua Coleman, co-chairman of the Council on Contemporary Families in Oakland, California, recommends joining a stay-at-home parent support group.

If you’re a dad new to being an at-home caregiver, the National At-Home Dad Network can help you find support groups near you.

If you’ve recently lost a job, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed or down.

This kind of life change can sometimes increase the risk of depression, including major depressive disorder (MDD), which is a common but treatable condition. You’re not alone, and support is available.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, each year about 6.7 percent of U.S. adults experience MDD, with the average age of onset being 32.

If you’re living with depression, finding hope, especially around work or career challenges, can feel difficult. Symptoms of MDD include:

  • feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, or guilt
  • feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
  • fatigue or chronic lack of energy
  • irritability
  • difficulty concentrating
  • loss of interest in once-pleasurable activities, such as a hobby or sex
  • insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping)
  • social isolation
  • changes in appetite and corresponding weight gain or loss
  • suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Experiencing depression after losing a job is common, and there are effective treatments that can help. These often include:

Antidepressant medications can include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which attempt to increase serotonin levels in the brain.

If there are symptoms of psychosis, anti-psychotic medications may be prescribed.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that combines cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy.

The treatment consists of addressing your moods, thoughts, and behaviors to find successful ways to respond to stress.

Alongside professional treatment, there are several practical, low cost strategies that can support your mental health during this difficult time:

  • establishing a daily routine to help you feel in control of your life
  • setting reasonable goals to help motivate you
  • writing in a journal to express your feelings
  • joining support groups to share your feelings and gain insight from others experiencing depression
  • staying active to reduce stress ⁠

In some cases, regular exercise has been shown to be as effective as medication. It can increase levels of serotonin and dopamine and generally increase feelings of well-being.

Losing a job can be a deeply challenging experience that affects not only your financial stability but also your mental health. It’s common to feel sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm during this time, and for some, these feelings may develop into depression.

Depression related to job loss can be addressed through a combination of therapy, medication, lifestyle adjustments, and support from others. Identifying symptoms early and seeking help can support recovery and help you regain stability and well-being sooner.