I've been told I am to be laid off just before the holidays. Before this job I was out of work for a long time. Since I received my layoff notice, I have been very depressed and am not able to concentrate or get interested in anything, even things that I generally enjoy. My life has been a real struggle for survival, due to illness and other circumstances. I am running out of steam. Right now I am wondering how much I have left, if any. My doctor knows I am obviously disturbed about this layoff, but I don't think anyone knows just how much. I am embarrassed to admit just how much. I just don't know where to go from here.

A.L.

I'm so sorry to hear about your impending job loss. Becoming unemployed just before the holidays would be stressful for most people, but with this development coming on top of your other difficulties, it's no wonder you're depressed.

I strongly encourage you to contact a therapist who can provide support and guidance in problem-solving as well as helping address your mood. You can also discuss with him or her whether a brief course of antidepressant medication might provide you with a "jump start" of energy (or "steam") to enable your finding another job. I don't recommend psychiatric medication as the only treatment, however, because medication alone doesn't help people identify and learn any needed coping skills, problem-solving, etc. Perhaps your doctor -- I'm assuming that you mean your physician, rather than a doctoral-level therapist such as a psychologist -- can make such a referral.

Given your previous struggles, it's probably tempting to consider your layoff as a continuation of the same, or as "proof" that your life will be miserable no matter what you do, and become bogged down in hopelessness. I'd encourage you to fight against thinking that way, which would only perpetuate your misery. You must have many strengths to have survived so much, and you can tap into those resources to deal with these circumstances as well. Good luck.