How to Handle Anxiety in the Face of Looming Layoffs

Job security is an important factor when you’re considering a career path. No one enters into a job assuming they’re going to get fired or be let go. 

Unfortunately, we’re living in uncertain economic times. Some industries are struggling more than others, and that means some businesses have been forced to rethink their budgets. That typically means cutting back on certain things — including employees. 

Most people who get laid off aren’t necessarily surprised by it. Maybe you’ve seen the signs for a while. You might know your business is struggling or you’ve started to see other ways they’ve cut back. But, the uncertainty of not knowing whether you’ll be laid off or not can wreak havoc on your mental health. 

So, what can you do to handle anxiety in the face of looming layoffs? 

Don’t Jump to Conclusions

When you see your company making cuts or trying to tighten its budget, don’t let your thoughts wander. It’s easy to tell yourself stories and assume the worst about your job security. While it’s important to be informed and remain vigilant, that doesn’t mean letting anxiety take hold. 

Fear tends to thrive on the “what ifs” of any given situation. If you start wondering what would happen if you lost your job, you’re going to end up spiraling into an anxious cycle that’s hard to get out of. 

So, before you allow yourself to let that kind of fear in, do your best to separate fact from fiction. What’s really going on with your company and what can you expect? 

Assess Your Situation

If you’re worried about your job, you can fight back against uncertainty by taking action. First, consider the likelihood that you’ll lose your job. How important are you to your business? Are you assigned leadership roles? Do you make your company a lot of revenue? 

Consider talking to your employer about your role. If you feel like it’s replaceable or that you could be doing more with your time, let them know. Showing initiative and letting your boss know that you want to be there — and are willing to do more — can make a big difference in how they see you and your position. 

Practice Self-Care

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to take care of your mental well-being outside of work. If you’re starting to feel anxious, do what you can to stay ahead of those thoughts. Things as simple as exercising, getting enough sleep, and journaling can help you manage your mental health. 

Mindfulness is another great way to keep anxiety at bay. It allows you to focus on the present and stay centered on the moment, rather than letting your thoughts get the best of you. 

Self-care can also include being proactive about your career. If you do feel like layoffs are going to happen, consider looking at different jobs. It can give you a sense of control when things feel uncertain and you might end up finding something with more security before the layoffs begin. 

Finally, don’t hesitate to talk to someone. Open up to your co-workers about how you feel and try to gauge their own emotions and concerns. Talk to friends and family for reassurance and don’t be afraid to open up. 

If you tend to have a hard time expressing your emotions to people you know, consider talking to a mental health professional. Therapy is often a great way to better understand the root of your anxiety, so you can take active steps to overcome it. If you feel like layoffs are on the horizon, anxiety therapy can help you learn how to manage the fear that might go along with them. If you could use support for anxiety contact me to set up an appointment.