Coping with layoff stress
By Melanie Chambers • Bankrate.com

Survivor stress
Not surprisingly, employees who keep their jobs while their peers are laid off are often more stressed-out than those who get pink slips, according to the Carleton University study. The same study also reported that those survivors tend to lose their energy and zest for their jobs; over time, their work quality and commitment to their employer begins to suffer.

To deal with this, "try to get an accurate picture of the office atmosphere," says Wayne Shoblom, a therapist with Mainland Counselling in Vancouver. Ask yourself: Are there concrete signs the company in jeopardy of going bankrupt, or is it just in your head?

If you can, speak with your boss, or someone who can give you answers about your job status. Getting an accurate picture of where you stand will be easier if you're in a small company where you can have a one-on-one meeting with a manager or owner.

Take action and start networking
If you have been laid off, it's tempting to want to sleep in, but there comes a point when you've got to get out of your pyjamas and get back on the proverbial horse.

To keep busy, create a schedule and stick to it: "Exactly what you do isn't as important as important as doing something," says Balthazard. "Just keep moving."

Schedule time to job hunt, meet with people and get out of the house. A full schedule will help maintain the daily structure you lost with your job.

Laid off workers say one of the hardest parts of losing a job is losing their co-workers. These are people who have become friends and they are your support network. To maintain that type of support, experts suggest that networking groups are crucial, both in terms of the job search, but also in terms of social activity.

Melanie Chambers is a freelance writer based in London, Ont.