Depression & Work: What to do?

Depression, the illness itself depletes your energy. As the mind is constantly processing things, it becomes difficult for the mind to concentrate. The lack of sleep and appetite adds to the stress hence worsening the situation. Waking up from the bed and getting ready becomes a huge task.

In the face of depression, it feels like a burden to go to work. Hence, not being able to perform becomes an additional stressor. Thus, there are few things to do when you are facing depression and have to work:

Getting Help:

Knowing you are suffering from depression is a step forward. It helps you understand your situation. The next step should be getting help. The need for professional help is very important. They can help you understand your situation better, as well as they can help you cure your depression. Also, they can help you in sorting out your work-life stress.

Many companies provide employee assistance program. You can actually take help of these programs. They provide subsidized rates for counseling sessions. Hence, it won’t even cost much to seek professional help.

Support:

A workplace can become very lonely. Hence, finding support is one of the most important factors. This period itself becomes very lonely. Thus, it is important to find a support in the workplace. Someone, who can understand your situation and listen to you. In this period, there will be very tough times, hence it is a necessity to have a support.

Setting up Goals:

While suffering from depression, it is very hard to work. As mentioned above, even getting up from bed becomes tiresome. Thus, it is important to set daily goals. These goals need not be big goals, but something small something achievable. So, when you accomplish a goal, you tick mark it from your checklist. It always makes someone happy, when they achieve something, be it big or little.

Talk to others:

As we all know, there is a stigma concerning mental health. Thus, making it more difficult and lonely experience. So, don’t be shy to express your mental health to your employer. The employer should know the reason because of the change in your behavior and productivity. If necessary, you should take some time off from work. Certain days can really have a toll, and hence this period needs to be conveyed.

Taking Care of Self:

We always have a tendency to escape our emotions. Thus, resulting in, we ignoring the symptoms of depression. It is necessary for you to take care of yourself. Constant care and support are needed during this period. If you feel like, do take a few days off from work. It helps in relaxing the mind. Burying yourself in work actually worsens the situation.

Remember, through constant support and love, you can get through this period. It will be an experience where you will learn about yourself. You can learn and improve yourself a lot from this experience. Thus, being more productive in work.