Dealing with depression after a failure can be challenging, but there are strategies that can help you cope and recover. Here are some suggestions:

1. Love the journey, just like you love the destination: It is true that the aim of Civil Services preparation is to become a government officer. But at the same time, it needs to be remembered that even studying sincerely for the exam will lead to a higher level of maturity in a person. Also, there is a high demand for aspirants who have appeared in multiple interviews or even a few mains in the content development market among the coaching institutes.
2. Allow yourself to feel and acknowledge your emotions: It’s normal to feel disappointed, sad, or frustrated after a failure. Give yourself permission to experience these emotions and recognize that it’s okay to feel down. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Avoid self-blame or negative self-talk. Remind yourself that failure is a part of life, and everyone experiences setbacks at times.
3. Accept the result: It is important to have faith in your abilities and not get too disappointed with a negative result. There are obstacles in every journey and a negative result just points to the fact that you need to work harder and smarter in the next attempt.
4. Don’t keep all your eggs in one basket: It is advised that the aspirants do not limit themselves to appearing only for civil services exam. It is better to appear for other exams also like SSC, state PCS, EPFO etc. Despite best efforts, success in the civil services exam is not guaranteed and it is better to have an alternate opportunity even though you may not choose to join it. Extension of joining is always an option for serious aspirants.
5. This is not the end: Despite what you may have led yourself to believe, not clearing or getting into government service is not the end of life. There are multiple professions for which many aspirants may be better suited than being a government servant. Many experts point to the fact that being in a high-ranking government department is a stressful job and the UPSC exam is geared towards finding persons who can withstand such pressure.
6. Seek support from loved ones: Reach out to friends, family members, or a trusted support network. Share your feelings and experiences with them, as they can provide comfort, encouragement, and perspective.
7. Take care of your physical health: Engage in activities that promote your well-being, such as getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and exercising regularly. Physical well-being can have a positive impact on your mental state.
8. Engage in self-care activities: Focus on activities that bring you joy and relaxation. It could be hobbies, spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness or meditation, listening to music, or engaging in any activity that helps you unwind and recharge. Instead of dwelling on the failure, set small, achievable goals for yourself. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your confidence. Break down bigger tasks into smaller, manageable steps to make progress.
9. Seek professional help if needed: If you find that your depression persists or becomes overwhelming, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. They can provide you with appropriate guidance, support, and therapy to help you navigate through this challenging time.
10. Maintain a positive perspective: Remember that failure is not a reflection of your worth as a person. See failure as an opportunity for growth, learning, and self-improvement. Focus on the lessons you can gain from the experience and use them to fuel your future endeavors.

Remember, recovering from failure takes time, and everyone’s journey is unique. Be patient with yourself, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed.