Hi.

I could really use some advice. I feel overwhelmed all the time and sad all the time.
I never been a great student, and I don't have much going for me. I didn't have great SAT scores, but I got into college and graduated. I even did a masters degree. But I been lookng for a job since start of 2009, and still unemployed. My family keeps at me about why I'm employed and constantly reminds me about any mistakes I ever made and pretty much lets me know I'm stupid and a total failure on a daily basis. I been struggling for about a year and a half with stress of jobhunting and being constantly criticised by my family. Sometimes I don't know if have anymore strength when I don't have anyone to support or encourage me.

If anyone has any words of advice or kindness, It really mean a lot.

Your family probably think that what they are doing is giving you regular pep talks and don't realise how negative they may sound sometimes. Can you talk to them and tell them that you are trying but that you find what they are saying demoralising?

I don't know where you live but here in the UK unemployment amongst new graduates is the worst it has been in decades. I know many talented young people who are having a dreadful time finding work. You are not alone.

Could you think about trying to get a little voluntary work whilst still looking for real employment? It might help raise your self-esteem, get something useful on your CV, and maybe help your family ease off a bit.

You graduated college, you got your masters, that hardly qualifies you as a failure.

If you feel the sadness is getting to be more than you can handle you need to get medical advice. Tough times with little support can make anyone depressed but there is help out there. You can try and help yourself by making sure you eat well and get some regular exercise. St Johns Wort is a herb that can help with feelings of depression too. Hang on in there and take good care of you, I'm sure things will get better in time.

Rooting for you.

Things get better. Hang in there.

In the mean time, talk to your family and let them know how much damage they are doing by insulting, and harassing you.

Quitting is for cowards.

Go make the most out of what it is that you do have. Things could always be worse. If you don't believe it, go to a hospital and look around. See the people with no legs. See the people with cancer, trying to prolong their life. Look at the people who have so much less than you, not let themselves be deterred.

We all have ups and downs in our lives. You are just at a low point. It will get better with time.

You really should consider counseling of some sort. It helps you see things clearly, and helps with perspective, and confidence.

Good luck to you.

Your family may not know how best to support you, and clearly they may not know how hard it is to get job in today's economy, but start with expanding your search, and telling them to get off your back.

You have already accomplished more than most, and should take no crap from anyone, not even your parents.

So don't be disappointed, or discouraged, because its tough out here for ALL of us but hang in there, it will get better, just keep working.

Do you have friends or other family members your own age? Or better yet, a mentor, or respected adult, maybe a past teacher?? I would consult, and network with them. They would understand and give you support. And we all need support sometimes in our lives.