Unstable Job and Depression

Depression is known to have many root causes, depending upon each individual and his/her coping pattern. It could be caused by failure in a relationship like divorce or break off, not achieving success in exams or profession, due to death of a close family member, friend or relative, going through financial loses, family problems, dissatisfaction with life, conflicts and so on.

All individuals need motivation to drive them. People need a sense of purpose to continue and justify their existence; they need to feel productive, worthy and a contributing force to self, the family and to the society. A job provides opportunities to channelise the creative talent of an individual; it brings out the intellect and reasoning abilities, leads to gratification and fulfillment of personal and professional goals of an individual.

This fulfillment leads to self assurance, confidence, self respect and esteem, and high sense of self worth. It creates a positive aura and leads to mental and physical well being. Opposite to that, a person who does not have a stable job, is dissatisfied with the job, cannot make up his/her mind about what to do, has switched jobs frequently and yet doesn’t find any job motivating enough can face the adverse reactions of this instability.

Not having a satisfying job may create a feeling of void, purposelessness, no sense of direction, a feeling that one is unproductive, useless, worthless and therefore creates a negative self opinion. It is also accompanied by feelings of despondency, helplessness, hopelessness, anxiety, fear, insecurity and vulnerability. This is a precursor to a depressive episode.

If the person finds adequate sources of support, can find external motivation, acceptance of the way he/she is, is not judged poorly for not being able to hold a job, then chances are that the person will try to break away from the stagnating situation that he/she is in, and overcome feelings of depression.