Finding a Job When you Have Depression | Sarina Russo

Sometimes personal issues or mental health struggles stop you from living the life you want, including returning to work.

Are you finding it hard to gain employment due to mental health issues? If you answered yes, then you’re not alone. 45% of Australians experience a mental health condition at some point in their life. ¹

Looking for work and coping with depression is no easy task. The constant feeling of unhappiness and/or loss of interest can lead to a range of social and psychological symptoms such as:

• Worry and hopelessness
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Low self-esteem
• Social isolation
• Feeling irritable and intolerant of others
• Lack of motivation

Symptoms are or can be challenging when unemployed. However, have no fear. We are here to help. In this blog post, we will be cover how you can overcome these challenges and access free, professional support.

Many job seekers experience one or more challenges when seeking employment.   Some challenges are easily resolved, like sourcing transportation to and from work, while others take time and may require professional help.

Some general tips to aid managing psychological challenges independently are:

1. Develop a routine that aligns with a ‘typical’ working day. Set tasks to achieve every day, which include vocational activities such as job searching, learning new skills, Etc. and personal tasks, such as hobbies/interests.
2. Engage in positive health behaviours, such as eating healthy meals, drinking water, going to bed at a reasonable hour and waking at the same time daily.
3. Get moving – physical activity does not need to involve a run around the block, it might be a few laps around the house or your local shopping centre. Playing with the kids at the park or playing with the family pet.
4. Spend time with others.
5. Avoid excessive alcohol use or drugs.

For people who wish to seek professional help, we offer free allied health services via VOICE to Sarina Russo job seekers. 

VOICE Allied Health is a team of multi-disciplinary Allied Health Professionals, eager to assist you in your journey to return to work or study. All VOICE staff are fully qualified and registered with their respective health registration boards and professional associations and undertake regular professional development to keep up with current trends and industry developments. 

VOICE understands firsthand the unique challenges of the unemployed population, having assisted thousands of candidates across years of service provision to the Employment Services sector.

If you have an underlying mental illness or would like to seek help from one of our Allied Health Professionals, please speak to a Sarina Russo Employment Consultant.

Employment challenges suitable for a VOICE Allied Health referral include:

• Psychological symptoms – Ect. depression, anxiety, adjustment, personality disorders,
• Cognitive challenges – learning difficulties
• Vocational issues as a result of health and/or personal challenges which impact career direction, motivation, or ability to maintain employment
• Medical conditions impacting on wellbeing
• Criminal history
• Anger management
• Addictions – Ect. drug and alcohol, gambling
• Trauma – grief and loss
• Stress and ineffective coping
• Low Self-esteem – limited self-confidence and self-worth
• Limited Support – including cultural barriers, isolation, family discord
• Poor interpersonal skills

A myth believed by lots of job seekers is that accessing professional help is expensive. All Sarina Russo Job Access job seekers can access our team of Allied Health Professionals at VOICE for free.

To access VOICE services, simply talk to a Sarina Russo Consultant and request a referral. VOICE is a free service to Sarina Russo Job Access job seekers.

If you’re depressed and thinking of harming yourself, please call Lifeline’s 24/7 Crisis Support Hotline immediately at: 13 11 14

[1] Better Health Channel: Mental Health Statistics, Retrieved on 1 July, 2021, from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ServicesAndSupport/mental-illness-statistics