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"I can’t believe this is happening to me."

We’re hearing this from many people – men and women, young and older workers alike – who find themselves suddenly unemployed. Some were just starting out on careers they thought would be profitable and rewarding. Others have years of experience in demanding fields. They’re worried about the future. They’re worried about today.

At times like this, it’s so important to find support. This may include assistance with job hunting, networking, counseling, financial aid, and guidance on reassuring our children. The good news is that support is available. What follows are highlights of and links to helpful resources.

Looking After Yourself

Job loss can lead to a downward emotional spiral and tension at home. Many people experience irritability, difficulty concentrating, and sleep problems. Working with a counselor - even on a short-term basis - can make a huge difference. Jewish Family Service provides subsidized counseling to people who are out of work and others with low incomes.

Job Searching – The Importance of Staying Connected

Many people feel enormous shame when they lose a job, even when the news is full of stories about so many others in similar circumstances. This causes many to lose contact with colleagues. This in turn takes them “out of the loop” and limits their opportunities to learn about available positions. Websites about surviving job loss and job hunting offer many suggestions on networking in person and online.

Reassuring Your Kids

Children are generally sensitive to their parents’ anxiety. They’re also overhearing family discussions and news broadcasts about job loss. Children under five benefit from reassurance about their immediate safety. This may be all they can understand, although they might need to hear it repeatedly.

Older children have a better grasp of consequences following job loss. Helping them frame this as a temporary situation is important. They may also benefit from joining in family discussions and taking action, such as assisting with babysitting, household chores, and cooking. For more information about talking with children and teens during challenging times, click here.

Making Ends Meet

There are many government programs to help people of limited means stay on their feet financially. They include the Home Energy Assistance Program, earned income tax credits (refundable tax benefits for low/moderate incomes), and temporary financial assistance. Safety net assistance is available for many of those who have exceeded time limits on aid. For information on eligibility criteria, click here and then look up “working families.” Jewish Family Service also provides emergency financial assistance as do other organizations. For more information, click here.

Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

Good sleep helps us feel more relaxed and mentally sharper. While it is certainly challenging to sleep well during tough times, there are sleep “hygiene” steps that have proven effective. And many of them are very easy to do. For instance, make sure you don’t work in bed. Instead try to have a designated area for working. Even if this area is the kitchen, it’s better than the bedroom, a place that is best associated with rest and calm.

Regular exercise can also facilitate sleep. The local YMCA. offers free short-term memberships to those who have lost their jobs.

For more suggestions, click here.

Connecting with the Community

Now more than ever people need each other for emotional support. This connection can come from many places – religious institutions, community centers, book discussion groups, volunteer work. Library websites list book discussion groups. For ideas about volunteer work, click here.

These highlights only touch the surface of available support. Jewish Family Service can connect you to others. Please call 845-341-1173.