FEEL DESPERATE BECAUSE I CAN’T FIND A NEW JOB

Dear Coleen

I’M a man in my late 50s and my life has been turned upside down by Covid. I lost my job at the start of lockdown and haven’t been able to find another one, despite trying very hard.

I’ve worked all my life and have never found myself in a situation like this before. My confidence and self-esteem are at rock bottom, and I’ve even cried from despair.

Have you any advice on how I can feel more optimistic about my situation when things seem so bleak?

Coleen says

I WISH I had a magic phrase or a magic bullet that would make this better for you. I know many people across the country are going through the same thing and you mustn’t blame yourself or feel degraded as a result.

It didn’t happen because you were bad at your job – it happened because of the economic fallout from this pandemic. It was beyond your control.

Ensure you’re getting all the financial benefits you’re entitled to and reach out to friends, family and professionals for support. You can check what benefits you can get at citizensadvice.org.uk and at gov.uk/coronavirus/workersupport. There are also many mental health charities offering support and guidance (visit nhs. uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters).

I think the tendency can be to retreat and disappear from life when you feel this low, but please don’t do that. Don’t try to cope alone – reach out and talk to others. Other people are a lifeline in a situation like this and you will feel better and more supported by staying connected.

I know you can do this because you’ve written to me. Good luck.