Losing a job can be devastating -- and not just financially. What you do for a living is a part of your identity and often a source of personal pride, so it can feel emotionally jarring to lose it. The American Psychological Association notes that unemployment can lead to anxiety, depression, and loss of life satisfaction.
The good news is that it doesn't need to be a permanent setback, and there are things you can do to nurture your wounds and move forward as you cope.
Manage Your Emotions
As with other types of loss, you should allow yourself time to grieve when you lose a job. This is a significant loss, and you likely will mourn your daily routine, the stability of your income and other benefits, and the parts of your identity and lifestyle that were attached to your position. It's natural to feel sad, angry, depressed, or numb. Recognizing and accepting these emotions can help you work through them.