Unemployed for the 3rd year...

Can you relate to this unemployment depression situation? 
When you become unemployed, you may feel like you have lost control of your future and your self-confidence begins to erode as a result. You know what it's like. You feel discouraged and unsure what the future holds. It shakes your very identity and the way you perceive yourself. Bad habits that you once thought were gone suddenly creep back into your life with a new vigor that makes you feel even worse about yourself and your situation. You begin to question your relationships and the way you are perceived. Unfortunately, turning on the news only makes it worse. The big question looming in your mind is what can you do and is there any relief.

Recent studies have shown that a high percentage of individuals develop depression within six months of becoming unemployed. 
Unemployment depression is a serious problem that throws you into a cycle of defeat because its debilitating symptoms can make it even harder for you to find another job. It's like a vicious cycle. Unemployment depression in its early stages is typically characterized by physical symptoms such as headache, stomachache, and sexual dysfunction. Other symptoms that may eventually arise include irritability, fatigue, sluggishness, and loss of interest in things you used to enjoy. People who have been unemployed for more than three months are particularly susceptible to unemployment depression. 

How to Lift Yourself Out of Unemployment Depression.  

Creating a plan to follow is very helpful in alleviating unemployment depression. Make a daily schedule for job hunting and have a goal of something to do each day. For example, you can volunteer or take a college course to acquire a new job skill and boost your resume. It is also a good idea to take an occasional break from your job hunting schedule. If you look for work from 9am to 3pm on weekdays, make sure to rest on the weekend and do things unrelated to job hunting to refresh and recharge. Spending time with your friends and participating in activities you enjoy will help to keep your spirits elevated.

If the symptoms of your unemployment depression are very serious, you should contact a doctor immediately. Otherwise you can take small steps to make yourself feel better. Getting 30 minutes of exercise each day will dramatically improve your mood and outlook because it releases natural mood enhancers. Eating right will also help to improve the way you feel. When you wake up each morning, take a shower and get dressed. Don’t mope around in your pajamas all day even if you are going to spend the day making phone calls or writing emails. The way you dress affects the way you feel overall and if you are dressed for success, success is bound to come your way.