You don't have to do this alone,

nor should you!

Of all the crummy cards unemployment deals you -- financial pressure, relationship issues, self-esteem issues, panic -- the worst of all is probably the sense of isolation. When I first hit the skids over a year ago, before the reality of it really sunk in, sleeping in while I knew my colleagues were packed like sardines into subways and buses on their way to the office gave me a slight sense of satisfaction. If you are in that phase, I hate to tell you that it fades, but it does.

Over time, you talk less frequently with your colleagues and eventually lose touch. Your social life suffers because you can't afford to go out and do fun things with your friends. A lot of people even withdraw from their families. Shame has something to do with it.

You end up isolated. That's when the fun starts. We humans are just like any other primates: sociable. A human being without a sense of tribe or community is like that poor sad-looking monkey in the zoo, all alone in his cage. If you are anything like I was, you might turn to some unhealthy way of anaesthetizing yourself. That's just reinforcing the bars on your cage, though, not escape.

Which brings me, at last, to the point: Support. You need it. It's out there. It's free.

For drinking or substance abuse problems, for example, free support is available from Alcoholics Anonymous. I don't do AA myself, but it works for a lot of people.

That's just one example, though. There is all kinds of support out there for the unemployed. Here are some ideas (in no particular order):

• Your friendly neighborhood unemployment office -- Every state and most municipalities offer a lot more than simple unemployment benefits. They have counselors to help you with your resume, job boards, workshops, training sessions, inside information on grant opportunities, and more. I know, I know -- it can be a drag going there and being with all the other unemployed losers, but you paid for it through your taxes back when you had a job. Might as well use it. It's good to get out of the house, too.
• Your family -- whatever you do, don't isolate yourself from them. These are the people whom you love and who love you through thick and thin.
• Your friends -- I'm not talking about your Facebook friends. Pick up the phone and call people. Have them over for coffee. Take a walk in the park. You don't need to go to the club and spend money.
• Your friendly neighborhood college or university -- if you need counseling or therapy, call the psych department. They can refer you to someone who can work with you either for free or on a sliding scale. Sometimes they are even conducting studies that will include some pay and free therapy.

  And did you know this -- at state universities and colleges, any resident has the right to sit in on ("audit") any class for free. You won't get credit, but you might learn something or meet people!

• Your friendly neighborhood church or temple -- I'm not a religious person myself, but I know that a lot of people take comfort in religious communities. Stay away from the greasy guys who wear nice suits and tell you God wants you to be rich, though; it seems that God may want them to be rich -- at their flocks' expense.
• This site -- I'm serious. It's free. After you register, trick out your profile and include your zip code so that eventually (if enough people get on board) you'll be able to find other members in your area and contact them in the real world. Even if you don't join, ol' Chuck is always on your side. Rest assured of that.

Even monkeys in the zoo can be happy if there are other monkeys around. People really aren't so different. Get the support you need. It's out there, and it's free!