Coping with Job Loss or Job Downsizing

In these difficult economic times, many people are finding themselves suddenly and unexpectedly out of a job, or “downsized” into a part-time position while they still have full-time expenses.

Becoming unemployed — or dramatically underemployed — ranks high, along with death and divorce, as one of life’s more distressing events. So it is normal to feel shocked, traumatized, frightened, angry or depressed. What’s critical is not to become immobilized by these feelings.

For example, if you:

* feel trapped, feeling as though there is nowhere to turn;

* are worrying excessively and can’t concentrate;

* are having continued difficulty sleeping, your eating habits have been negatively affected, or your relationships are suffering;

* find that past coping strategies are not effective in helping you through the event;

* feel deep despair and/or have suicidal thoughts.

It is important to get professional support. Please call JFCS at 952-546-0616. We can help.

How Do I Tell My Family?

* Explain the loss of your job to your spouse or significant other first. Then, with their help, explain the situation to your children.

* Reassure that the family will make it through the crisis. This will demonstrate to children that a life crisis is surmountable and that positive outcomes can be anticipated.

* Keep communication open by answering questions frankly, in an age-appropriate way.

* Keep major changes to a minimum and maintain household routines as much as possible.

* Understand the stress that each family member may be going through in reaction to your job loss. Family counseling can be a good way to help children deal with their fears and anxieties about what is happening.

* Pay attention to your emotions and stay in control of your behavior

* Help family members anticipate and formulate appropriate responses to questions from people outside the family.

What Can JFCS Do for Me?

In addition to providing both individual and family counseling to help deal with the intense emotions and stress brought on by this crisis, JFCS can also provide:

* Solution-focused case management to help you develop a plan of action.

* Financial assistance for housing, food, utilities, transportation, medication, clothing and school supplies, as resources permit.

* Referrals to other agencies we partner with, and assistance identifying & accessing other community resources in the Twin Cities area that may be able to provide additional support.

What Other Steps Should I Take?

In addition to contacting JFCS, here are some things you can do to care for yourself during these stressful times:

* Schedule activities that give you a sense of accomplishment, concentrating on one task at a time.

* Increase your physical activity and exercise. This will improve your mental outlook and emotional well-being and help to alleviate stress. Use simple relaxation techniques to alleviate tension.

* Maintain a regular schedule and routine. Eat at regular times, go to sleep at your normal hour, get up in the morning and get dressed for the day.

* Record your feelings and experiences in a journal.

* Stay connected to the community. Participate in social activities with friends & family.

* Where possible, maintain your hobbies.

* Avoid drugs and alcohol as a means of coping.

* Renew your spiritual life.

* Remind yourself on a regular basis that you will get through this.

For more information on coping with these difficult times, please call the Information and Resources Connection at 952-546-0616.

When people don’t know where to turn for help, they can call JFCS. The Information and Resources Connection staff has a thorough knowledge of resources in the Jewish and general communities. Information and Resources Connection staff can help you connect with our services and manage much of the emergency financial assistance available through JFCS.

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