The prolonged job search can significantly affect mental health, especially for those who have been unemployed for extended periods. In both the United States and France, nearly a quarter of the unemployed are considered long-term unemployed, meaning they have been searching for work for more than a certain number of weeks. As job seekers continue to apply for positions over months, many begin to feel discouraged. Challenges such as "ghost jobs"—job postings that disappear or are never filled—AI-based interviews, lack of responses from employers, and repeated rejections can accumulate and take a toll on mental well-being. These experiences are particularly stressful when the desired job remains out of reach after months of effort. In France, the number of unemployed individuals reached 2.7 million by the end of the second quarter of this year, representing 8.3% of the active population, according to data from Insee, the French national statistics office. The unemployment rate has increased slightly over the past three months, with young people aged 15 to 24 being the most affected. Their unemployment rate has risen by over 5% in three years, climbing from 17.1% to 22.2%. According to 2025 data, 23.1% of the unemployed have been searching for work for more than a year, which is classified as long-term unemployment. In the United States, the job market has been performing relatively well, with unemployment rates reaching historically low levels—4.1% in August. However, more than a quarter of the unemployed are still considered long-term unemployed, defined as those seeking work for over 27 weeks under U.S. labor law. The number of job seekers has nearly doubled since the spring of 2022, according to a LinkedIn study published in January. Of those surveyed, 65% reported that finding a job has become more difficult, citing reasons such as increased competition and the need for new digital skills. Mythili Sampathkumar, 44, used to work in communications and has spent recent months updating her resume and writing cover letters, but has not yet secured an interview that leads to a job. "It's like talking to a black hole," she says. "It feels like floating in space, detached from the spaceship." Losing self-confidence and a sense of autonomy is a common issue among job seekers, according to career counselor Amanda Langer. Each rejection or lack of response can be perceived as a judgment on a person's abilities. "A prolonged job search is not just about logistics," she explains. "It gradually undermines a person's self-confidence, autonomy, and financial security." Research has shown that unemployment can contribute to the development of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Long-term unemployed individuals often experience high levels of stress and a kind of exhaustion that can make the job search even more challenging. "Ghost jobs," AI interviews, and the absence of in-person interactions can worsen these feelings. Self-esteem is often tied to one's profession and daily routine. When daily life becomes a series of unanswered job applications, self-confidence can erode. To cope with these challenges, Amanda Langer suggests participating in support groups or activities for job seekers. "Sometimes, receiving feedback from others helps people realize that they are not alone in this struggle," she says. Seeing someone else who is equally qualified but also going through a tough time can provide comfort. These moments of connection can offer emotional relief before returning to the daunting task of job hunting.