How to deal with unemployment depression while navigating NYS Department of Labor claims
I've been unemployed for about 4 months now and the whole process with NYS Department of Labor is really getting to me mentally. Between the weekly claims, job search requirements, and constantly worrying about my benefits getting cut off, I'm starting to feel really depressed. Some days I can barely get myself to do the required job searches or file my weekly claim on time. Has anyone else dealt with this kind of mental health struggle during unemployment? How do you stay motivated when everything feels hopeless?
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Javier Cruz
I totally understand what you're going through. Unemployment depression is very real and more common than people think. A few things that helped me: First, try to separate your job search from your NYS Department of Labor requirements - do the minimum for UI compliance but don't let it consume your whole day. Second, establish a routine that includes things unrelated to work. Third, remember that your worth isn't defined by your employment status. If you're struggling to keep up with weekly claims or job search logs, consider reaching out to a counselor - many offer sliding scale fees.
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Natasha Orlova
•Thank you for this. I never thought about separating the job search requirements from actual job hunting. That might help reduce some of the pressure I'm putting on myself.
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Emma Thompson
Been there myself last year. The NYS Department of Labor system can definitely add to the stress. One practical thing - if you're having trouble reaching them when you need help or have questions about your claim, I found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to actual agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Sometimes just being able to talk to a real person about your claim can reduce a lot of anxiety about whether you're doing everything right.
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Malik Jackson
•Interesting, never heard of that service before. Does it actually work for getting through to NYS Department of Labor?
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Emma Thompson
•Yeah it worked for me when I needed to check on an adjudication issue. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.
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Isabella Costa
The mental health aspect is so important and often overlooked. I went through severe depression during my unemployment period. What helped me was: 1) Setting very small daily goals (like just filing my weekly claim or applying to one job) 2) Volunteering - it gave me purpose and structure 3) Joining free support groups in my area 4) Being honest with friends and family about what I was going through. Also, if your depression is affecting your ability to work, you might want to look into whether you qualify for any additional support through other programs.
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Natasha Orlova
•The small goals idea is really helpful. I've been overwhelming myself trying to apply to like 10 jobs a day when I can barely function.
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StarSurfer
ugh this system is designed to make you feel like garbage about yourself. the hoops they make you jump through with the job search requirements and all that paperwork... its like they want you to give up and stop claiming benefits. hang in there, youre not alone in feeling this way
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Ravi Malhotra
•So true! The whole process feels dehumanizing sometimes.
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Freya Christensen
I feel you on this one. When I was unemployed I basically had to treat taking care of my mental health like a part time job. Exercise helped a lot even if it was just walking around the block. Also maybe look into whether your area has any free mental health resources or support groups specifically for people who are unemployed.
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