Braving layoffs: Mental health experts on how to retain hope after losing a job

Layoffs are an unfortunately common occurrence in the corporate world but the Covid-19 pandemic has proved to be an especially brutal period for many employees, who have lost their jobs at various times since March 2020, both in India and globally. According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), more than five million people lost their jobs in October 2021.

Earlier this month, a video of Better.com CEO Vishal Garg abruptly laying off over 900 employees on a Zoom call went viral. For those who were laid off in the firm's US and India operations, this was a huge shock and disappointment at the start of the festive season. Garg has faced criticism from all quarters including several industry leaders about the way he handled the announcement. In the call, the CEO of the homeownership company can be heard saying, "If you're on this call, you are part of the unlucky group that is being laid off". While Garg later apologised for the way he communicated the message and has since taken time off from work, the company's employees may not have the same luxury.

The recent viral video is only one example of layoffs around the world and the possibility of it happening to each one of us is a constant source of worry. While most employees are at the mercy of their employers to retain their jobs, it is often hard for the former to gauge whether they will be a part of the cost-cutting phenomena, and very often that leaves them frequently anxious.

Mid-day.com reached out to Dr Sonal Anand, psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road and Dr. Arati Suryawanshi, family therapist and psychologist, Bhatia Hospital, to understand the emotional burden of layoffs and how employees can deal with it.

How can people mentally prepare themselves for a layoff generally to avoid getting a shock when it happens?

Dr Anand says that one must be aware of small cues and follow the general progress of the workplace so as to get a head start. She explains, "Being on good terms with superiors and colleagues always helps in being aware about workplace situations. In this time of general uncertainty, giving more importance to health must be emphasised." The expert reminds that while jobs are important, health is even more important and one must adopt positive thinking.
How does getting laid off by one's company affect a person?

The work-life balance is a distant dream in India and many measure success with how good they are at their job. Anand believes that in India, we have been brought up with the notion that jobs are the most important part of our lives. The expert adds that there is also a strong emotional dependence on having a iob and that is why joblessness seems like a do-or-die situation. "Many people who are laid off feel hopeless and have negative thoughts about the future. Many of them slip into depression or get addicted to alcohol or smoking, thinking that it helps them relax. They get into trouble with relationships and can have marital discord," she explains.

On the other hand, Dr Suryawanshi says people will first experience frustration, especially because they were earning handsomely earlier and suddenly have nothing. "So, it's a big loss and setback. It is as strong as losing someone dear to you," she says. However, Suryawanshi says while one cannot bring their loved one back, people can stand up and build their career again. "People can seek guidance from others, relive passions and find out other new ways to survive and sustain your family," she adds. The expert says it also gives people the chance to start their own small business or learn a new skill set, which in her experience, has had positive results. "It all depends on how people deal with the situation," she reminds.

How is it different from any other kind of disappointment that people feel daily?

Since permanent jobs have a very special value in our lives, Anand says that the disappointment of joblessness is definitely different from other daily disappointments. She says, "Many things are dependent on jobs -- right from EMIs to kid's school fees. The fear of losing these important things can definitely make life seem daunting."

The pandemic saw many people being laid off from their jobs. What should be the next step for such people to avoid being severely affected by it?

People may not feel the effect of being laid off immediately but it is also important to be careful that it doesn't affect one severely. At such times, Anand says it is necessary to have a healthy body and sound mind to help weather a crisis. The city-based expert says it is important to continue to take care of one's physical health and pay extra focus on positive mental health even though the situation seems grim. She explains, "There are many times after facing difficult situations, we become so negative that it seems like the end of all happiness." However, that is not the case. "One must remember that jobs are a part of life and finding a new job may not be as difficult as it seems. Maybe the next job will be even better and bring newer opportunities. One must stop assuming negative guesswork and instill all mental energies towards preparing for a job hunt or any other new venture," she adds.

While it is a 100 per cent shock knowing you are jobless, if you keep your morale high and be self-motivated you can come out of it. Suryawanshi explains, "You will have to motivate yourself from within. When you start working on self-motivation, you will observe the small difference in yourself every day." She adds that it may also help open up other opportunities that one may not know of.

The city-based expert said that employees shouldn't hesitate to seek counselling and therapy to help them come out of the shock confidently. Actively considering their options for the future, making good use of their qualifications or simply enrolling in workshops to improve their skills is a good way to start.

However, the onus is also on the companies laying off their employees to organise counselling camps, skill camps and job camps too.

While it is easier for younger people to get another job, it may be tougher for mid- and late-career professionals. Does dealing with it differ across age groups?

The dynamic job culture often means that if one doesn't have the skills needed right now, it is hard to get a job again and that is something that older people face over time. While younger people are faster at learning, they are certainly at an advantage to adapt. Anand explains, "Younger people are a bit diverse and don't mind trying out new lines. They sometimes even have their parents to bank on." However, she says this may not be true for older people even though they might have better saved resources. "They might be uncomfortable with new circumstances and getting adapted to newer technologies. They even have the pressure of meeting certain financial goals," she adds.

Agreeing with Anand, Suryawanshi says age definitely makes a difference. At the same time, she says it is important to remember that coping differs from person to person because everybody handles it differently. She explains, "Older people have already reached their capacity to learn something new. It also becomes difficult to accept the sudden change when they are old."

However, she says all is not lost because older people can explore different areas like painting, drawing and cooking too.

Is there a possibility of a layoff affecting people who are depressed and anxious more than other people?

Suryawanshi explains that handling a job loss does become more difficult for people who are already undergoing any mental health issues. "The sudden change becomes complex for them to adjust to. Such individuals should continue their medication and try to share their feelings with their counsellors."

However, she says the impact depends on the intensity of the problem. "If the person is doing some other work along with his office work, he has the alternative to work hard on the option and make it a success."

Also Read: Pain in the head: Why people are experiencing frequent headaches at work