How to Fight Off Depression During a Recession

Lay-offs, foreclosures, debt, and going broke to the bank are all commonplace in today's headlines. It's certainly not the best way to start your morning. And for those who are laid-off, suffering cut-backs, or just dealing with the downswing of an economy, there are ways to combat the recession blues.

Get out of bed - Lying around and sleeping-in, even if you are unemployed with nowhere to go, won't help anything. In fact, it'll make your life worse. The more complacent and comfortable you get with your depression, the harder it will be to combat.

Exercise - If you have nothing but time on your hands, then you should be out there getting in shape. It will make you feel better physically, as well as mentally and give your brain a boost of endorphins and help balance your mood. Try jogging, walking, hiking, or no-cost exercises.

Network - Start sending out resumes, emails, attend job fairs, and study up on companies a few hours each day. Remember that consulting, contracting, and freelancing are also viable options when no one is hiring staff. These opportunities are usually not posted on any job board. You need to tap companies that you want to work for and keep tabs on who is doing what. Ask what projects are coming up and don't be afraid to check back in. Avoid addressing emails to "Dear Sirs". You need to personalize your communication and let them know who you are. During events, collect and pass out business cards and keep in casual contacts with those new faces. You'll be surprised who will turn up with a job offer when you least expect it.

Avoid sharing your sob story - I've read cover letters where the potential candidate is practically begging to get out of their miserable job, glumly sharing that we're their last hope, or offer details of their depressing quest for work. Don't do it. Who would want to hire you? Show an employer you're confident, capable, and determined.

Take responsibility for yourself - It doesn't matter if you got laid off, suffered an injury, or are going through a divorce through no fault of your own. Regardless of where you are in life, you're here. And it's time to deal with it. The only thing that matters at this point is getting yourself out of your mess. And you can't do that until you take complete responsibility over your life and come up with an action plan. The only one who can get you out of your current situation is you.

Volunteer - There's a 99.99% chance that someone else is in a far worse situation than you're in right this very moment. Volunteer at a homeless shelter, food line, or classroom and do something productive with your time. You'll be surprised at how much better you feel and the motivation you'll discover by watching others pick themselves up and try again. And if you volunteer at a non-profit in an area that matches your job skills, you'll have something on your resume to cover up the employment gaps.

Make money - Post flyers to walk dogs, cat sit, run errands, or start writing content for Associated Content to earn a little money. You'll feel better seeing something go into your bank account instead of out.

Cut your bills - Now is the time to try and refinance your mortgage to a lower interest rate, use coupons at the store, drive less, give up daily Starbucks, and retail therapy. Come up with a budget and stick to it.

Redefine your purpose - Most of us get caught up with identifying ourselves by a paycheck or a job. Those things are both temporary and shouldn't shake your resolve in who you are. Do some soul searching and figure out what purpose you want to serve and how to achieve it. It might be time for a career change, mental shift, or new hobby.

Tap into your passions - Now is a good time to explore your passion. Whether it's painting, writing, studying, helping others, film-making, or crafting, you should be putting those interests in the forefront and making the most of your down time.

Commiserate - Everyone is going through something in their lives. Whether it's relationship woes, budgeting problems, a lay-off, or general depression, we're all in the same boat. Reach out to friends and family and impose a once a week get together to talk over coffee or go for a walk.

Have faith - My grandmother remembers when she had to sell eggs on the side of the road during the Depression just to make ends meet. She said everyone else was in the same situation she was in and they relied on each other to get through it. She talks about those days fondly because it was a time of community. She's been up and down in the financial world since then, but always knows it's going to work out okay.