When there is a downturn it's usually bad for both employees and employers (who often have more to lose). Rather than playing the mental health card because your expectations were not met, take it on the chin and do something else while keeping a finger in the industry - if you are still keen. Get to know some of your potential future employers by offering to do some of the less glamorous work part-time for minimum pay - also called networking. When things pick up again the first through into the empty flying seats will often be those that are known to the company. This is a universal subject which isn't taught at university, TAFE or college.