Just a thought I had lately, what about getting some work experience in an area of interest, while on dole, maybe you'd feel like you were doing something positive, getting something from it and doing something for your money which is what you're used to?
I honestly cant say that I know what anyone in this situation is really going through. But it was just a thought that might suit some.
Incidentally I do know someone who was in the position of being made redundant coming off maternity leave and took up a part time montessori teaching course and got a job out it (and a lot of cheap childcare)