When an individual is facing unemployment, and specifically when one has faced job rejection after job rejection, he or she may begin to struggle with self-esteem, feelings of inadequacy, and low self-worth. The cycle of constant rejection may lead an individual to face a job search depression, internalizing the job rejection as a personal rejection. Recent studies have shown that unemployed people struggle with greater anxiety and depression, and in the process of job hunting, it can be difficult not to take rejection personally. Constant rejection can be demoralizing, defeating and exhausting.
However, to manage and fight the feelings of low-self-esteem, there are plenty of strategies one can take to address the fatigue that comes along with job seeking. By treating one’s depression with psychotherapy, psychiatry, and other wellness strategies, a job seeker will be better equipped in the job search process, with a higher level of well-being and self-confidence. If you or your loved one are struggling with depression in the face of job rejections, AMFM Mental Health Treatment provides resources and compassionate care. Call today for more information.
AMFM is here to help you or your loved one take the next steps towards an improved mental well-being.
Though managing depression is one important strategy through job rejections, we’ve included some tips and tricks for interviewing and cover letters below.
Practice your interview skills before your actual job interview. Practice in front of a mirror, or with another person to get used to answering questions out loud, rather than simply in your head. Recently, many interviewees will utilize ChatGPT or other AI platforms by inserting the job description in and request specific interview questions and prepared answers for the job. This can help give you an idea of what might be expected in an actual interview for your particular job.
Some tips on cover letters include:
Recruiters can also help with finding a job. You can find recruiters through Linkedin, and as an individual looking for a job, you do not pay a recruiter. Companies pay recruiters to find someone who can fit the job description they’re looking to hire for. They may be looking for someone with a particular skill or years of experience, searching for the right fit. Connecting with a recruiter can up your chances in finding employment.
The general consensus has been that with an increased use of social media, comes low self-esteem, skewed body image, FOMO (fear of missing out), increased eating disorders and more.4 The issue is the misuse of social media, the comparison of one person’s highlight reel of his or her life, being internalized and compared to another young person’s perception of self. A person may appear to be perfectly “happy” on social media, while battling depression day in and day out.
According to one study, “Cultural trends contributing to an increase in mood disorders and suicidal thoughts and behaviors since the mid-2000s, including the rise of electronic communication and digital media and declines in sleep duration, may have had a larger impact on younger people, creating a cohort effect.”5 In another, more recent study, 5395 individuals “reported that use of Snapchat, Facebook, or TikTok were more likely to report increased levels of depressive symptoms on a later survey.”6
These days, social media sites have become increasingly entangled in our society and all social interactions. It would be difficult, and likely unrealistic, to remove them altogether. Even in the case of Linkedin, a professional social networking site, social media use is linked to increased levels of depression and anxiety.7 Research shows that for the sake of teen mental health, there need to be guidelines in place to ensure that social media is being used properly, rather than as a tool for self-harm, communities of common distorted self image, or self-harm.8 Community guidelines, mental health resources, and awareness campaigns are constructive to the proper use of social media. When using social media, keep in mind that appearances may not speak to a person’s truth and happiness.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder that is known for causing persistent sadness, a loss of interest in pleasurable activities, and a range of other emotional and physical symptoms. Symptoms of depression can affect your daily routine, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Depression can affect individuals of varying ages and other demographics. While depression is more commonly diagnosed among women, men may experience more stigma regarding mental health difficulties, which prevents them from seeking help. Causes of depression can vary, including generics, experiences you’ve had in life, and a chemical imbalance within your brain. Depression therapy can help you in overcoming depression and may include the use of depression medications and holistic therapies.
Inpatient Treatment for Depression refers to residential, or live-in mental health care programming in a facility. Inpatient treatment allows you or your loved one to engage in interpersonal therapy with licensed therapists and group therapy sessions, while healing in a safe and supportive environment. Inpatient mental health programming for depression usually also provides the highest level of care, with 24/7 clinical care, psychiatry and medication management, and personalized treatment plans for lasting well-being.
Outpatient Treatment (IOP or PHP) programs offer comprehensive mental health care at a more flexible schedule, with both in-person and virtual options available. Unlike residential care, outpatient treatment can offer online therapy and programming, but without 24/7 clinical teams on staff. Outpatient treatment plans still offer a combination of individual and group therapy, through a holistic approach, but in a less structured environment.
If you have been struggling with one or more of the depression symptoms we have mentioned, know that you’re not alone. A Mission For Michael has admission counselors available around the clock to help determine which treatment options can assist you in managing depression. Contact us today to begin your confidential and free mental health assessment.
A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides treatment for adults experiencing various conditions. Depression support is a phone call away – call 866-478-4383 to learn about our current treatment options.
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Depression can present differently among those experiencing depressive symptoms. There are several types of depressive disorders, each of which have their own features and recommended treatments. While this is not an exhaustive list of mental health depression conditions, it does highlight some of the most common:
Depression can affect individuals differently, which often requires individualized treatment. There are a variety of depression treatment options that can be used to address the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of this condition. Some of the most common approaches used in depression counseling sessions include:
Couples and family therapy may be used when a loved one’s depressive symptoms are affecting others. This can increase everyone’s understanding of depression and talk about how to support each other. Couples and family therapy sessions can improve communication patterns, focus on problem-solving, address unresolved conflicts, and increase the sense of understanding among one another.
Group therapy sessions can be used to help provide structured times to help you understand that you are not alone in your struggles, that your peers are also walking through these challenges, while also providing guidance, suggestions and communications from psychologists with specialized backgrounds. These groups can span a variety of backgrounds, including but not limited to art therapy, somatic therapy, and narrative therapy.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that’s focused on restructuring and reprogramming maladaptive and negative thought processes. Psychologists are trained to help you change your cognitive and emotional processes in order to outgrow coping mechanisms that may no longer be serving you.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is most commonly referred to as “talk therapy,” and is designed to help process emotions. Qualified professionals offer psychological therapy to move forward with healthy ways of engaging in interpersonal relationships and alleviating physical and emotional distress.
EMDR Therapy is a renowned method of reprocessing most often used in trauma therapy. By activating the prefrontal cortex through a series of bilateral stimulation, qualified professionals can lead you through traumatic experiences, helping you to alleviate the distress symptomized by trauma.
Yes, most health insurance companies provide some form of coverage for depression treatment. This often includes both inpatient and outpatient care, depending on your symptoms. Coverage generally applies to therapy, counseling, and medication management services. Your plan may have limitations, exclusions, or required authorizations.
We encourage you to verify your coverage with AMFM Mental Health Treatment to understand the full scope of your benefits. This is especially true if you’re looking for specific treatments, like postpartum depression treatments or persistent depressive disorder treatment options.
Insurance can be complicated but we are here to help. AMFM has over a decade of experience in the mental health field and is in-network with many large insurance providers.
By using our form, we can quickly determine if you are in-network at one of our facilities. Insurance benefits vary greatly depending on the policy you have, so we obtain a detailed quote of your coverage.
It usually takes between sixty to ninety minutes depending on the time of day.
Our team will check insurance coverage and determine the benefits available to you for mental health services.
We also have private pay options available.
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AMFM Mental Health Treatment has extensive experience treating a variety of mental health disorders beyond depression through evidence-based therapies, including but not limited to the following:
Recovery can feel isolating; mental health programming can provide cohesive treatment plans to help you or your loved one as you move forward.
If you’re noticing persistent low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or a deep sense of inadequacy that isn’t lifting, it may be more than “normal disappointment.” You don’t have to figure it out alone—our team can help you sort through what you’re experiencing with a confidential, free assessment.
Start by separating rejection from your self-worth and building structure into your week so the search doesn’t consume your identity. Practical steps can also help—practice interview skills, personalize cover letters to each role, and consider working with a recruiter to broaden opportunities while you take care of your mental health.
Treatment supports both the emotional pain and the patterns that keep you stuck. Therapy and psychiatric care can help you manage depressive symptoms, rebuild confidence, and develop coping skills so you can approach the job search with steadier energy and self-belief.
We offer multiple levels of care based on what you need: residential/inpatient programming for higher support with 24/7 clinical care and psychiatry, and outpatient options like Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP), including in-person and virtual programming.
McGee RE, Thompson NJ. Unemployment and Depression Among Emerging Adults in 12 States, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2010. Prev Chronic Dis 2015;12:140451. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd12.140451
Linn MW, Sandifer R, Stein S. Effects of unemployment on mental and physical health. Am J Public Health. 1985 May;75(5):502-6. doi: 10.2105/ajph.75.5.502. PMID: 3985238; PMCID: PMC1646287.
Jin RL, Shah CP, Svoboda TJ. The impact of unemployment on health: a review of the evidence. CMAJ. 1995 Sep 1;153(5):529-40. Erratum in: CMAJ. 1995 Dec 1;153(11):1567-8. PMID: 7641151; PMCID: PMC1487417.
Nawaz FA, Riaz MMA, Banday NUA, Singh A, Arshad Z, Derby H, Sultan MA. Social media use among adolescents with eating disorders: a double-edged sword. Front Psychiatry. 2024 Feb 9;15:1300182. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1300182. PMID: 38404474; PMCID: PMC10884122.
Twenge, J. M., Cooper, A. B., Joiner, T. E., Duffy, M. E., & Binau, S. G. (2019). Age, period, and cohort trends in mood disorder indicators and suicide-related outcomes in a nationally representative dataset, 2005–2017. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 128(3), 185–199. https://doi.org/10.1037/abn0000410
Perlis RH, Green J, Simonson M, Ognyanova K, Santillana M, Lin J, Quintana A, Chwe H, Druckman J, Lazer D, Baum MA, Della Volpe J. Association Between Social Media Use and Self-reported Symptoms of Depression in US Adults. JAMA Netw Open. 2021 Nov 1;4(11):e2136113. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.36113. PMID: 34812844; PMCID: PMC8611479.
Jones JR, Colditz JB, Shensa A, Sidani JE, Lin LY, Terry MA, Primack BA. Associations Between Internet-Based Professional Social Networking and Emotional Distress. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2016 Oct;19(10):601-608. doi: 10.1089/cyber.2016.0134. PMID: 27732077; PMCID: PMC5067824.
