“Each new person I meet brings a fresh perspective and a reminder to be kinder to myself.”

The recent peer support group sessions for job seekers have come to an end after six meaningful gatherings. During this time, participants connected with one another, shared their experiences, and built resilience together under the guidance of EMCC’s counsellors. We talked to two participants, Sam and Lisa* as they reflected on their experiences, sharing candidly how the programme helped them navigate their emotional and mental challenges during their job search. 

A New Approach to Emotional Challenges

For many job seekers, maintaining confidence and motivation can be an uphill battle. Sam, who struggled to manage his emotions and often felt drained, shared, “I came into this programme with low confidence, barely able to stay positive about my job search.” On the other hand, Lisa opened up about her long-standing fear of speaking in front of others, noting how she felt envious of people who could speak fluently and professionally, often finding herself comparing her own abilities to others.  

Both participants found that these challenges impacted their daily lives, affecting not just their job search but also their sense of self. Through the peer support group, they soon discovered they were not alone in feeling stuck or unsure. Hearing others share their stories brought them relief as it reminded them that they weren’t the only ones facing these challenges. 

Finding Comfort in Shared Experiences

With each session, participants found themselves surrounded by individuals who not only understood their struggles but also actively shared encouragement and support. Video discussions, exercises, and guided activities helped participants address negative thoughts and review their emotional responses in a new light. Sam shared that he was struck by the programme’s approach to addressing negative thoughts, saying that he felt less alone and learned to take a more positive outlook about his circumstances. The emphasis on the neurological basis of emotions offered him insight into how to better manage his feelings as well. 

Lisa, initially intimidated by the thought of opening up to strangers, found that the support group became a source of comfort for her after a few sessions. “I went from terrified of these strangers to exchanging social media details with them,” she explained. She began to feel safe in this environment and developed a deeper understanding of her body’s biological, emotional, and psychological responses to anxiety. “Knowing how our bodies work against us and learning ways to adapt to that, really helped me,” she added. 

Building Resilience for the Future

Both participants walked away with valuable tools they could apply beyond the programme. Sam shared that breathing techniques, self-encouragement, and responding thoughtfully to his inner critic were now part of his routine. He encourages others going through similar struggles to not give up hope as things can get better for them too. “You are not alone, so stay positive.”  

Lisa gained both emotional skills and practical job-seeking insights. “The breathing exercises help when my anxiety spikes, and I even learned how to ‘package’ myself better for job interviews. Sometimes, the first step is all it takes,” she noted, recommending the programme to anyone seeking stress management techniques and fresh perspectives. “I realised it’s okay to be vulnerable, to step out and meet people. Each new perspective reminds me to be kinder to myself,” she added. 

We hope that through these peer sessions, participants felt encouraged to share their stories, support each other, and build resilience in this safe space during difficult and isolating journey. 

If you feel you need professional help and emotional support, please reach out to EMCC. Our counsellors are here to help and support you. 

To ensure that our services remain accessible, subsidised counselling is also provided. For more information, click here. 

*Not their real name