Losing a job is major trauma or loss. Experiencing a variety of emotions is natural.

Usual Stages of emotions displays will include the following:

Shock and Denial: Can't believe it happened to you. Some think it's just a holiday and start spending severance pay on a trip or luxuries.

Anger: People get mad at their former employer, the government, partners, kids, themselves and the world in general. This anger must be released without hurting ourselves or others around us.

Guilt: Often people take undeserved responsibility for the situation.

Depression and Isolation: Many will withdraw from friends or won't have contact with former work associates. Self esteem will decline. Some won't appear to want to change the situation they are in.

Unemployment creates stress for everyone. It is essential that all involved can express how the feel about the situation. Men are raised to be "strong" to keep their feeling inside and women are more likely to show their emotions. Children will recognize the change and the associated stress.
Let them learn from the experience too.

It is appropriate to go through a grieving process when experiencing a job loss.

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