I JUST CAN’T SEE A WAY FORWARD

Q I completed matric in 2014 and will be turning 23 soon. I have no job experience and have never had a response to any job I’ve applied for. They just never get back to me.

I tried starting my own business trading things but it didn’t work out the way I thought it would.

Sometimes I feel like I’m going around in circles and losing my mind. I don’t know what to do. Sometimes I just feel I should die. Please help me. Hlengiwe, email

A Unemployment is a serious problem in our country and many young people are experiencing the same thing – not finding a job in spite of trying really hard.

If you’re just staying at home and your mind is going in circles, you’ll have become more despondent with time and most likely depressed. I would suggest going to a clinic to speak to a doctor about how you’re feeling and getting some medication to help you get out of your depressed state. You’ll only be able to look for work once you’ve shaken off the hopelessness you feel now and have more energy.

Once you’re feeling better, consider volunteering to work at an NGO, welfare organisation or nursery school for free. Often volunteers who do a good job get appointed permanently or are able to make contacts that lead to employment elsewhere.

Doing volunteer work will also help you to feel useful and stop your selfesteem from being eroded further.