How to cope if you can't find a job

In this episode of Life Kit, Marielle Segarra interviews Dev Valdez, a licensed clinical social worker and financial therapist, about the mental and emotional challenges of unemployment. They discuss how job loss can trigger trauma responses like freezing, fighting, fleeing, and fawning, and how to cope with feelings of grief, shame, and uncertainty. Valdez provides actionable advice on maintaining routines, managing relationships, and rebuilding self-esteem during unemployment, emphasizing the importance of self-care, setting realistic goals, and seeking support from loved ones or professionals. The episode also addresses how partners and family members can support someone experiencing unemployment by offering understanding, avoiding judgment, and fostering open communication.