Redundancy
What therapy can help with

What is redundancy and why does it happen?

Redundancy is a type of dismissal from your job. It happens when a role is no longer needed. Employers often make redundancies if part or all of the organisation is:

• closing, or has already closed
• changing the types of roles (or numbers) needed to do certain work
• changing location

How can redundancy affect your mental health? 

Being made redundant from your employment can be a really challenging time in anyone’s life. It can have a significant impact on your personal and professional relationships, as well as your psychological and emotional state, and financial situation.  

“The psychological and emotional impact of redundancy can be devastating,” shares BACP registered therapist Simon Coombs. “Redundancy can be life changing and often instigates feelings of anger, loss, grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, and confusion. It can also shatter your self-confidence and self-belief. I’ve seen many people become so paralysed by the fear of losing their job and income, that they lose sight of their ability to make decisions based on their situation.” 

Mental health tips to help cope with redundancy

If you or a loved one have been made redundant, Simon suggests the following: 

• Face your reality: Confront what’s happening and make a short and a long term plan. Redundancy can feel like something that is ‘done to you’ and something you have no control over. But whilst you may not have control of the outcome, you can be more in control of other areas. Look beyond your circumstances and ask yourself the following: Do I need to stay in this job? What are the other options? Are there other ways I can manage financial shortfalls? Can I update and market my CV now? 
  
  
• Confide in someone: Whether this is a partner, a friend, or a therapist. Don't keep your worries to yourself as this will make you more anxious or depressed. Be as open as you can be about your fears.
  
  
• Try not to take it personally: If you have been made redundant from your role, remind yourself that it was the job itself that was no longer needed. You will be needed elsewhere and can go on to thrive. 
  
  
• Set daily tasks: Take some time to reflect on what has happened. If you have some financial breathing space, use your time for other areas of your life. Can you afford a short break away? If not, can you do that job at home you never had time to do in the garden, painting the hallway etc. This is all good downtime for your brain.
  
  
• Contact your core service providers: Many will put your bills on hold or arrange a payment plan that takes this into account, particularly if you are alone, have children or caring responsibilities. You may also need to get in touch with your local Job Centre and look into Universal Credit and other benefits while you get back on your feet.
  
  
• Say goodbye to friends and colleagues: It may be the last thing you want to do in those moments, but it is absolutely essential to share loss but also deliver your own closure to an often painful and emotional moment in life. It is also often a chance to be validated too.

How can counselling help?

Counselling can give you the time, space and environment to explore the complex thoughts and feelings that wrap themselves up when a life event like redundancy takes place.  

“Redundancies often stir up long buried feelings around earlier events,” says Simon. “These can include feelings of loss, rejection, low self-worth, anxiety, depression and, in some instances, trauma. The counselling space is a welcoming and compassionate environment for you to unpack your feelings and emotions. A skilled counsellor will ensure you are able to work through what is troubling you without feeling overwhelmed.” 

How can I access help if I’m struggling financially?  

“There are many useful resources online that can give you a guide to get through redundancy. However, actually getting up and getting busy is the best advice I can give,” says Simon.

“Visit a recruiter, or if you have worries about debt contact Step Change. Walk into your local Job Centre and ask for help, they can and will arrange urgent financial support if you need it. If you’re struggling with your mental health, and cannot access a private counsellor, speak to your to local Samaritans (call freephone 116 123) or make an appointment with your GP. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be able to access free counselling through charities and voluntary services.”

For more information on how to access therapy visit here.