How to manage stress in layoff times?

Layoffs are the worst nightmares of every employee out there. These are the unsettling and most discomforting days a person spends. Piled up with insecurities, triggering feelings of worthlessness and loss are some of the common breezes one faces.

The loss of financial stability, routine, and hope impacts a person to the core. After spending a few days, there comes the overwhelming emotions of questioning a person- Why them? The story doesn't end here but leads to a more drastic pathway of answering tonnes of questions in each social circle.

Well, layoffs are pretty common, especially in corporate companies. The market's unpredictable economic uncertainties could lead to such cases. The most affected sectors, like tech, develop a fear of job insecurity among the employees. It is very crucial to learn the ways to overcome such situations while being strong both mentally and physically.

What is a layoff?

In simple terms, a layoff is a way of terminating an employee from their designated post. This happens when a company itself is suffering from a huge loss, downsizing, conserving resources, or isn't satisfied with its performance. In the private sector, a layoff is unpredictable and can happen to anyone at any time. It doesn't care about the position, the efforts, or the conditions of anyone.

Layoffs are very tough when it comes to handling emotions. Imagine spending years in a job giving the best, and the next day, they order to pack the stuff up and leave. Cases of extreme stress, anxiety, and loss of self-esteem are mostly seen during layoffs. As it is said, where there's a will, there's a way; layoffs are not the end of the career but could be the starting of a new journey. Layoffs can even bring new opportunities, new passions, or new ways to boost up a career.

Impacts of Layoffs

Layoffs affect a person in every possible way, know-how:

• The responses begin with shock and denial, where a person is confused about what has happened and denies that it can't be true. The person is unable to absorb the fact at all. Further conditions like anxiety arise when a person panics, calls the manager, screams, etc. Then, a whirlwind of emotions is seen.

• Slowly, when a person processes the loss, a set of anger towards the company arises in him, questioning why or how he could do this to me; this anger is then shifted to the people around him as a defense mechanism. All of such reactions are normal as they are a clear representation of human behavior of grief and sudden change.

• Resistance is the next part of the reaction. People try to accept every possible way to get back to the job. They are now even ready to get there with a lower-paid job or an increase in the time duration. But slowly, they realize it's not possible at all, and they confront the inevitability of the situation. Sadness and social withdrawal are the next phases a person falls into. The feelings of shame and resentment restrict him from sharing his problems. Conditions like these could lead to clinical depression. Seeking professional help is very important in such conditions.

• Then comes the acceptance of what has been done. People gradually adapt to the fact and acknowledge the situation. Yes, flashbacks of good days and emotional roller coasters would still be a part but won't affect them extremely.

• Physical reactions like fatigue, headaches, sleep disturbances, weight gain, irritation, frustration, and feelings of worthlessness will be there for a long time. It will make the entire day challenging until and unless a person finds a way to cope.

Tips to Manage Stress During Layoff Time

1. Take Time to Adjust: Every big incident in life impacts deeply and so is laying off. But knowing that everything is going to be alright is what is needed. Yes, with difficult situations, problems, and economic loss, there will be a loss of hope that time will heal everything, but believing in it and taking support from others could help.

2. Don’t Be Ashamed: Failure is a part of life that occurs to each one. It might be in different ways but it will occur. Understanding the reason for the loss, working on it, and not giving up is the best way to reply to the failures.

3. Communicate with Family and Friends: It's a privilege for everyone who has someone to rely on. Not only expecting economic support but also sharing the emotions, thoughts, and discomfort with friends and family would be extremely beneficial.

4. Reframe Job Loss as a Temporary Setback: Layoffs are somewhere beneficial too; investing the time in searching for a better job, following a passion, or trying a new hobby would help a person get recharged, relaxed, and refreshed from the work stress of the past.

5. Join a Job Seeker’s Support Group: It is said that sharing grief decreases its intensity. Getting connected in a group or community where others are also in a similar situation will offer valuable advice and solutions or at least decrease the feeling of worthlessness.

6. Use Networking and Community Resources: There are plenty of ways to pass the time even while earning on the side. Reaching out to communities, going beyond the comfort zone, maybe trying to take classes, etc, will help in increasing job prospects.

7. Share Your Feelings: It is okay to share everything a person is feeling. The stigma of playing hard should never be played in such situations. Expressing fear, anger, frustration, and sadness will help a person release the piled-up emotions and allow him to move forward in life.

8. Deal with Fears Directly: Identify and confront your fears. People often overthink the worst situation and panic when it happens. Fear is a feeling that can be manipulated. Develop a plan to overcome these anxieties.

9. Avoid Negative People and Thoughts: In tough situations like laying off, people around a person show their true colors. Keeping the eyes open and understanding everyone's intentions would be a smart move. Moreover, surrounding oneself with optimistic people who are there to support is the best thing to do.

10. Take Care of Your Health: Prioritize sleep, exercise, and nutrition. Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drugs or alcohol and also don't fall into illegal activities or addictive activities to make money.

11. Seek Professional Help When Needed: If your stress becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek support from a mental health professional.

Conclusion

In times of layoffs, managing stress with resilience, support, and self-care can help individuals adapt, find new opportunities, and turn setbacks into a chance for personal and professional growth.