Help! Could really use some advice ASAP

So I have been unemployed after returning from abroad for a few months (4 months ago). I started well...applying for loads of jobs...but I have become really depressed and after having panic attacks/a breakdown...I went to the doctors. Quit illegal drugs. Began exercising. Taking anti-depressants. Explained everything to my parents for the first time etc. I have slowly stopped applying for jobs and to be honest, I having been avoiding it.

Things have been going ok...I have been slowly building myself up over the last few weeks. Out of the blue...an employer I had applied to emailed me to say that I had been successful at an 'selection event' (interview I attended) and they would 'proceed with my application' but they could not give me a time frame. My referees have been contacted by them. I had a therapy session (drugs related) first thing this morning (for the first time) and it was really great. I have other therapy sessions and things planned for later in the week...one of which is football practice tomorrow.

The football practice is worrying me a lot (first time I have done it...and I do not have any friends) but I thought if I can just get the boots, shin guards etc. I will be fine. I went to a sports shop...and my card was rejected. I never check my account (and I have never really budgeted) and I was under the impression that I had quite a bit saved. BUT IT IS ALL GONE! I have slowly eaten into it. I was so embarrassed in the shop! My face went red and I came back to my parents house where I am staying at the moment.

This whole thing was so awful. I was doing so well up to that event...and now I am soooooo low. It has completely thrown me. I think I have enough to go back to the shop tomorrow to get the boots etc. so I can train...but my anxiety and depressed thoughts about the whole thing have increased ten fold! Now I am worried that I will not be able to manage it and I want to do it so bad.

My head is swirling with thoughts about not having a job, being poor! I no longer have that comfortable feeling that I have money in the bank. This job offer has still not come...and what if it never comes!!!!!!! I will have to somehow return to looking for jobs...something that triggered a serious depression and breakdown.

...all these thoughts and more are swirling around in my head right now : ( and I don't know what to do. I cant focus or concentrate on anything!

Help...what should I do for the rest of the evening?...and how do I wake up tomorrow and carry on.

Hi, first off, glad to hear that you are in therapy, I know its hard, but try to relax, think positive and be patient. Therapy does not work right away, however it can work really well over time, though it varies by individual. Also, One of the biggest triggers for Depression/Anxiety in today's economic driven world is Finances - economic issues, AKA not having enough money or a job! When you do get a job, that can be therapy in itself (take away some stress, at least caused by the financial issues), so just keep looking and try to stay positive! On a side note, its good to hear your playing football, sports. Physical activity-sports, recreation are healthy ways to fend off Stress and depression, and can often make a noticeable difference in your mood and emotional well-being. Also, It sounds like you just need to be patient, and give the therapy a try. Best of luck!
-Dan.

When I first started looking for jobs I was rejected so many times that I fell into an even deeper depression than my daily "normal" depression. I was totally broke and my retired mother had to take care of me for MONTHS. I appreciated it but all I could do to compensate was to help her with the house chores, cleaning, washing, cooking, ironing etc. After 6 months my cousin hired me to babysit for her for 2 weeks. I coped surprisingly well even though I never had any child-rearing experience. After that I applied for a temporary Au Pair job just driving kids from school to sport and extra classes (with my mom's car just btw) and I made enough money to start paying my mom some rent and petrol and just have money to go drink coffee with friends now and then. For a little over a year I did this - and then randomly one day, one of the places I applied to for a job "just in passing" told me to come for an interview. I was thinking "O well, It can't get any worse than it is now and at least I can still Au Pair if I must". I got the job and I am extremely happy here! But his was only after sponging off my mom for 18 months. I don't earn enough to get my own place but I feel OK.

It is hard to find work but if you just try to focus on "one job per day" you will feel more achievement at the end of the day. I hope you find work soon. I know it is hard but sometimes you just need a bit of a break... Good luck and stay strong!