Long Term Joblessness Takes a Serious Toll on Self-Esteem

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Over the last several months, we at Health Journeys, have been struck by the increase in calls from people looking for ways to support the long term unemployed. We recently spoke with Dr Traci Stein PhD, creator of the new Health Journeys Self-Esteem imagery program, about the importance of maintaining self-esteem during periods of joblessness.

Healthy self-esteem is important for anyone navigating the job market. Recent graduates face the same challenges to healthy self-esteem, as do people who are currently underemployed (those working in positions that pay less than previous jobs, or offer little opportunity for career growth).

The inability to find suitable work often creates a very stressful situation and can open the door to depression, anxiety and other problems. Joblessness can take a serious toll on self-respect and self worth. A Pew Research Center study found a high correlation between self-esteem and unemployment; showing higher levels of depression and lowered self-esteem among the long term jobless.

The good news here is that guided imagery can be a very powerful tool to help boost self–esteem.

Traci Stein PhD, has created two new guided imagery titles designed to help build self-esteem. Healthy Self-Esteem is designed to help release self-doubt; cultivate feelings of personal mastery; envision a future stronger self, and encourage present moment acceptance.

Self-Esteem During Sleep is specifically designed to foster a stronger, more confident, and healthy sense of self worth while sleeping. This is especially helpful for those who would like to enhance sleep quality while building a stronger sense of self-regard.

Check out these audio samples of Healthy Self-Esteem and Self-Esteem During Sleep.

Taking steps to maintain or rebuild a better sense of self-perception can have wide ranging effects far beyond the issues of employment. Fostering a better mental state can have a beneficial impact on everyone in the life of the jobseeker, particularly family members. It can also have a very beneficial impact on finding that next job.

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written by L.M., October 06, 2012

I was laid off from my job earlier this year and am not currently working. It was hard to lose my identity as an employed person (even though I was unhappy in my job.) I bought both of Dr. Stein's titles as downloads on 09/01/12 and have been listening to them daily (and nightly.) She has a very pleasant voice, and the garden/planting imagery appeals to me. I do believe that I have started to see myself with kinder eyes, and I'm better able to recognize things I've accomplished and give myself proper credit. So thank you to Dr. Stein and to Belleruth for bring her into the Health Journeys community.