Affordable Plans To Help You Feel Better
Blue Member
- Personal Therapist or Life Coach with 1 – 2 years of experience
- 4 Video Sessions
- Fitcy Health Dashboard to manage progress
* Starting 49 USD / week
* With 4 Sessions in Membership for 196 USD
* 299 AED for single session
Starting 179 SAR / week
* 299 SAR for single session
Starting 179 QAR / week
* 299 QAR for single session
Starting 49 USD / week
- Access to Silver level Therapists & Life Coaches with 3 – 5 years of experience
- Dedicated Customer Care
* With 4 Sessions in Membership for 300 USD
* 399 AED for single session
* Starting 279 SAR / week
* 399 SAR for single session
* Starting 279 QAR / week
* 399 QAR for single session
* Starting 75 USD / week
- Everything Silver + Blue has, plus:
- Access to Gold level Therapists & Life Coaches with 6+ years of experience
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* With 4 Sessions in Membership for 416 USD
* 499 AED for single session
* Starting 379 SAR / week
* 499 SAR for single session
* Starting 379 QAR / week
* 499 QAR for single session
* Starting 104 USD / week
Select Some Focus Exercises
Do tiny exercises to stay focused. Dont let your thoughts wander, suggests Alvin.
Focus exercises can include breathing techniques, the repeating of mantras, or taking a brief walk around your workspace.
The body scan is a popular focus technique that can be done anywhere. It involves focusing your attention on your toes and moving your awareness up to your ankles, knees, and stomach until you reach the top of your head.
Grounding techniques can also help you feel more relaxed and calm, which can help you manage depression symptoms at work.
Is Your Job Causing Your Depression
If youre sticking to the treatment plan, prioritizing wellness and attending regular therapy sessions but youre still feeling depressed, the most important step is to be open about this with your doctor and therapist.
But working concurrently with your health professionals, its also smart to consider whether the actual work youre doing each day could be a contributing factor to your depression.
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The State Of The Job Market
Picture this: youve got the qualifications. Youve got the experience. And youve got the confidence. Yet, no one is hiring you.
In this instance, its hard not to feel hopeless about your job search.
Remember that even if youre doing the right things, finding a job can be a struggle. Depending on what your experience level is and what your career and salary needs are, finding the right position can take time. The headlines about the job market usually reflect macro conditions that might not be relevant to your search.
The job market is always competitive, but the global coronavirus pandemic has made finding jobs even more difficult for some people. We will feel the economic impact of COVID-19 for years to come. You might not feel like you’ll be in a position to have options to that isn’t the perfect fit for you.
Keep in mind that its not all on you. External factors outside your control can contribute to job depression.
How Does Depression Affect Work
For people with severe depression, getting out of bed to go to work may not always be possible, said Steve Joordens, a professor of psychology at the University of Toronto.
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Many of the people who are most severe are not going to work. Theyre literally not leaving their bed, not leaving their bedroom, and thats when it gets really dangerous, he said.
People experience different levels of depression, he explained, meaning those with mild or moderate cases may still maintain professional commitments even if its very challenging.
A critical feature of depression is nothing seems to matter there seems to be no point in doing anything, he said.
At work, depression can make it harder for people to concentrate and be productive, said Nasreen Khatri, a registered clinical psychologist and clinician scientist with Baycrests Rotman Research Institute in Toronto. Depressed workers may also feel exhausted or overwhelmed.
Depression can also make employees more socially withdrawn, and all of this impacts workplace productivity.
Mental illness costs the Canadian economy $51 billion a year, and 500,000 Canadians call in sick every week due to a mental health issue, Khatri said.
Most short- and long-term disability claims are made for a mental health issue.
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The Stress Of Losing A Job
Whether youve been laid off, downsized, forced to take early retirement, or seen contract work dry up, losing your employment is one of lifes most stressful experiences. Aside from the obvious financial anguish it can cause, the stress of losing a job can also take a heavy toll on your mood, relationships, and overall mental and emotional health.
Our jobs are often more than just the way we make a living. They influence how we see ourselves, as well as the way others see us. Even if you didnt love your job, it likely provided you a social outlet and gave a structure, purpose, and meaning to your life. Suddenly finding yourself out of work can leave you feeling hurt, angry, or depressed. You might be questioning your identity, grieving all that youve lost, or feeling anxious about what the future holds.
Depending on the circumstances of your unemployment, you may feel betrayed by your employer, powerless over the direction of your life, or blame yourself for some perceived shortcoming or mistake. The stress and worry can feel overwhelming. But no matter how bleak things seem right now, there is hope. With time and the right coping techniques, you can come to terms with these setbacks, ease your stress and anxiety, and move on with your working life.
Why Does Mdd Make It Hard To Work
Most people think depression only affects mood. While symptoms such as lack of pleasure, negative outlook, and low self-esteem are certainly characteristic of depression, theres more to it, especially with severe depression.
Major depressive disorder causes significant biological changes, including altered hormone levels, sleep cycles, and brain structure. These changes can stifle your energy levels, affect your ability to focus, make you lose your appetite, and cause you to sleep more or less than usual. This means your whole body, not just your mind, is experiencing symptoms. As a result, MDD can make it virtually impossible to get out of bed some days, much less be productive at work.
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Focus On Positive Outcomes And Criticize Less
People who are depressed can be highly self-critical. Rather than highlighting failures, focus on supporting and celebrating moments of achievement, such as when employees meet deadlines. Moreover, research shows that people who are criticized by someone whom they perceive as highly critical of them are less able to activate neurocircuits that control negative emotions.
Motivation in depressed employees plummets in the face of threats and punishment. Research suggests that explaining the positive necessity of assignments as a motivation tool is far more effective than sharing the detrimental costs of an unfinished project. Framing assignments in terms of benefits and importance increases their perceived appeal and strengthens intrinsic motivation in employees.
If your employee continues to drop the ball, you may be tempted either to assign to the employee menial tasks, or to penalize the employee with exceptionally difficult tasks that force the employee to work harder. In reality, its possible that your employee feels as though either one of these scenarios has already occurred. Check in with your employees regularly and make sure the work assignments match the current abilities and talents of your staff.
Additionally, know the strengths of your employees and play to those strengths. If your employees feel like tasks are designed for them, theyll be more likely to view the tasks as important, complete them more quickly, and experience a sense of validation.
Medical Vocational Allowance For Depression
The standard of proof for getting disability benefits for depression is high, and some people may not meet the standard but still are unable to work. If that happens you can still be eligible for disability benefits under the Medical Vocational Allowance. To qualify this way you need to download the Residual Functional Capacity evaluation form from the SSA website. Your doctor or psychologist needs to fill out this form and provide detailed information about your illness and the limitations you have as a result of that illness.
Then, the SSA will look at the RFC evaluation and your work history, the skills you have, and the limitations caused by your illness. They will try to find some type of work that you can do with the skills and limitations that you have. If they cant find any kind of work that you can do then you will be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits.
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In Times Of Crisis Everyone And Anyones Mental Health Can Be Challenged
As grim as they look, those stats are now outdated. The global COVID-19 pandemic is going to see those numbers spike radically over the next few years.
As employees fear being laid off or furloughed for months, c-suite executives and their management teams are fighting to keep their businesses afloat. Some employees will keep their jobs and others will be unemployed. Some organizations will survive, and others will have to close their doors.
Depression can be triggered by many things, including genetics, past or ongoing trauma, abuse , death and loss, and serious illness. These can, in turn, lead to the use of medications, uncertainty and insecurity, social isolation and conflict. These secondary issues are, in themselves, triggers of depression. Its easy to see how depression is considered a debilitating disease.
Ask For Reasonable Accommodations
Under ADA regulations, employees are allowed to ask for reasonable accommodations that may help them remain on the job. People with MDD often have insomnia, which makes it difficult to clock in at seven or eight in the morning. A reasonable accommodation would be to ask an employer to change their shift from first to second or perhaps allow the employee an extra hour or two in the morning to get to work. Another reasonable accommodation would be to ask for flexible work hours that make room for therapy appointments.
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Depression And Social Securitys Listings Of Medical Impairments
Social Security has a listing of impairments, known as the Blue Book. Under the Blue Book, you may qualify for disability benefits if you meet specific conditions. Social Security evaluates depressive disorders under listing 12.04. Additionally, the listings include a list of symptoms. It also includes a list of functional problems. You must show that your symptoms meet these conditions to qualify for disability benefits for depression. First, you must show at least five symptoms of depression to prove that you cant work due to anxiety and depression.
How Can I Apply For Disability
If you meet the above criteria, you may qualify for disability benefits for depression. Its important to apply as soon as you can. It can take several months to receive SSDI and SSI.
Youll apply directly at your local SSA office. You may choose to hire an attorney to help prepare and file your application. Just be aware that a percentage of your benefits will then be awarded to your legal representative as compensation.
It can take up to half a year to receive a decision on your application for disability benefits. If youre approved, youll receive retroactive pay based on the date you first applied.
Many applications for disability benefits are denied by SSA. If this happens to you, you can appeal the decision in court. It can take up to 2 years to get a hearing. During this time you may consider hiring an attorney to help.
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Anxiety: Four Areas Of Functioning
Additionally, you must also prove that your symptoms cause a serious problem in your functioning. They are the same areas of functioning that are evaluated for depression and include:
- Understanding, remembering or applying information
- Interacting with others
- Concentrating, persisting or maintaining pace in performing tasks
- Adapting or managing oneself
Discuss With Your Workplace
Is work contributing to your current mental health issues? If you have a very demanding or stressful job, it may be that you need to make some changes to feel well enough to continue working.
If you feel able to let your manager or HR department know about your current difficulties with depression. If youre able to identify specific triggers in the workplace, be honest about these.
It may be possible to make changes to your current role and responsibilities so that work feels more manageable. For example, if youre involved in a very high-pressure project, see if someone else can take over for a while.
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List Your Tasks For The Day
Mind recommends making a list of your tasks for the day. By breaking your responsibilities down into smaller sections, the work day might feel a bit less overwhelming, while concentrating on smaller, specific tasks can be easier than attempting to focus on an entire project. What’s more, Mind suggests making a fresh list before you leave for home, allowing you to switch off once you leave the office instead of stressing about your tasks for the next day.
Create Mechanisms For Coping With Depression At Work
Taking care of yourself and developing coping mechanisms can help you throughout the workday. A professional can help you develop specific strategies for your symptoms.
Take short breaks during the workdaygo for a walk and cry if you feel the need, call a friend or family member, or simply take some time to yourself. Its also important not to isolate yourself, which is something depression can compel you to do. Reach out to co-workers and make a concerted effort to be engaged, rather than closing yourself off.
Maintaining healthy habits such as eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising, and spending time with friends and family. Try to make plans three to four nights a weekeven if its something as simple as a quick phone callso that you always have someone to talk to after a draining day.
Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can make it especially challenging to get through even the normal routines of a workday, but a strong support systemat home and at workcan help you push through the tough times.
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Stress Is Treatable And Its Possible For You To Make A Full Recovery
However, its important to realise that stress is entirely treatable and you can make a full and lasting recovery, if professional treatment is sought from an experienced psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist.
At our wellbeing centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi we recognise that getting psychiatric help for your stress is crucial to prevent your symptoms from becoming worse. Our expert team can help you develop techniques for managing your stress, and support you to get back on track. All of the treatment we provide is personalised to you, meaning that your individual concerns are addressed and you can achieve the best possible outcomes.
Looking After Someone With Depression
It’s not just the person with depression who’s affected by their illness. The people close to them are also affected.
If you’re caring for someone with depression, your relationship with them and family life in general can become strained. You may feel at a loss as to what to do. Finding a support group and talking to others in a similar situation might help.
If you’re having relationship or marriage difficulties, it might help to contact a relationship counsellor who can talk things through with you and your partner.
Men are less likely to ask for help than women and are also more likely to turn to alcohol or drugs when depressed.
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Getting Help For Depression
Depression is a health condition like any other, and its important people speak to their doctor if theyre experiencing symptoms or struggling with low mood, Khatri said. Treating depression is key to managing its symptoms.
A health professional will recommend the best treatment plan, which can include medication and therapy. Joordens says cognitive behaviour therapy can be very helpful in treating depression as it helps change thinking patterns.
In addition to treatment, Khatri said doctors can also help patients figure out a professional plan that may include accommodations at work or a leave of absence.
Its important to focus on the basics when depression can make even the smallest task seem like an effort, she said. Doing your best to get adequate rest, sleep, eating well and reaching out to supportive friends and family is key.
Theres unfortunately still a stigma around mental health issues, which can prevent employees from seeking help or asking for accommodations. But workplaces need to recognize depression as a serious health issue, and implement ways to support workers, Khatri said.
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Its also vital for workplaces to model positive mental health behaviour, she said.
Cultivating a culture of psychological safety, so that everyone at work feels welcome, safe, comfortable, confident, and feel that they can share ideas and speak up when they want or need to is key.
Focus On Your Environment
You may not be able to control everything in your workday, but you can often influence your workspace.
Keep it clean and simple, says Amelia Alvin, a psychiatrist at the Mango Clinic in Miami. Clutter tangles the thoughts.
Research supports the idea that the physical work environment has a direct impact on wellness and job performance. In addition to keeping things organized, consider mood-boosting features, such as pictures, plants, or soft lighting.
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