Thursday, March 28, 2024

I Feel Too Depressed To Work

How Is Sleep Disrupted By Untreated Depression

Too Depressed to Get Depression Help

One of the most telling symptoms of clinical depression is a change in sleep patterns. Though the most common problem is insomnia , people sometimes feel an increased need for sleep and experience excessive energy loss. Lack of sleep can cause some of the same symptoms as depression — extreme tiredness, loss of energy, and difficulty concentrating or making decisions.

In addition, untreated depression may result in weight gain or loss, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, and irritability. Treating the depression helps the person get control over all of these depression symptoms.

Does Depression Look The Same In Everyone

Depression can affect people differently, depending on their age.

Children with depression may be anxious, cranky, pretend to be sick, refuse to go to school, cling to a parent, or worry that a parent may die.

Older children and teens with depression may get into trouble at school, sulk, be easily frustrated feel restless, or have low self-esteem. They also may have other disorders, such as anxiety and eating disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or substance use disorder. Older children and teens are more likely to experience excessive sleepiness and increased appetite . In adolescence, females begin to experience depression more often than males, likely due to the biological, life cycle, and hormonal factors unique to women.

Younger adults with depression are more likely to be irritable, complain of weight gain and hypersomnia, and have a negative view of life and the future. They often have other disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, panic disorder, and substance use disorders.

Middle-aged adults with depression may have more depressive episodes, decreased libido, middle-of-the-night insomnia, or early morning awakening. They also may more frequently report having gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation.

Queue Up An Inspirational Playlist And Get Out Into Nature

“So one thing I regularly do is take a walk at my favorite local park. I have several playlists I’ve made on Spotify that are filled with positive, inspirational, upbeat songs and I won’t listen to anything else but those while I’m on my walk. The sunshine, scenery, and happy music help quite a bit.”

Bethany Whaley, Facebook

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Reframe What You Think About Depression

Simple steps can help you overcome inertia and move forward, even when you’re down.

Depression can sap your motivation to perform even the simplest of tasks, let alone tackle bigger challenges. Research shows that depressed people have a harder time finding motivation to go to work, go out with friends, even clean the house.

One way to be productive despite depression is to see depression as a habit, says Joseph Luciani, PhD, a psychologist in New York City and the author of Self-Coaching: The Powerful Program to Beat Anxiety and Depression. Viewing depression as a tendency rather than an illness puts you behind the wheel, so to speak, and may help you change your life. Here are 10 ways to find inspiration to take on daily life… despite depression.

Are You Covered By The Ada

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The ADA, along with the 2008 amendment, states that persons qualify for disability if they:

  • Have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities and/or bodily functions . Major life activities include, but are not limited to, caring for yourself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working.
  • Have a history of such an impairment
  • Are regarded as having such an impairment

Also Check: When Do People Get Depression

When Employees Feel Trapped

Feeling like you have hit a dead end can add to depression, said Lisa Bahar, LMFT, LPCC, a family therapist and clinical counselor, in Dana Point, Calif.

“When an individual is in a job that lacks growth and is fostering complacency, there is a a lack of worth,” she said. “They feel innately that their value is not as high as they would like. Yet there may be a fear to ask for more support since there is a sense that they are not valued by the organization. This can make individuals feel trapped.”

Because they need money , they stay in jobs that are crushing their spirits. “This creates a resentment which is the beginning of depressive symptoms that can actually mutate into aggressive and maladaptive behaviors at work,” said Bahar. “It creates a cycle in an individual of feeling guilty, angry, resentful and trapped.”

Can Depression Go Away On Its Own Without Treatment

Surprisingly, some experts say that it can. For some people, depression is cyclical or seasonal, and they can eventually recover and remit without any specific intervention, says James Murrough, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Depression and Anxiety Center for Discovery and Treatment at Mount Sinai. “But we also know that treatments like psychotherapy and medications can severely reduce the symptoms and duration of an episode of depression. Many individuals who suffer from depression never seek treatment, and thats why from a public health perspective we want to keep reducing the stigma around it.

Also Check: Can Weight Loss Pills Cause Depression

If Youre Too Depressed To Work:

  • Take short breaks with a meditation app when you need them.
  • Get outside for a walk in the fresh air.
  • Go to the gym on your lunch breaks.
  • Pack a nutrition-filled lunch and avoid carbs.

All of the above will keep your energy levels up. Avoid these foods if youre depressed.

If you dont have a team of mental health professionals, put one together ASAP.

Use the back of your health insurance card to find a therapist and/or psychiatrist in your area. Before signing on with one, Google them to ensure other patients had good experiences.

Your team can help provide guidance and advice as you see how much you can push yourself at work.

Don’t Let Depression Disrupt Your Life And Work Take These Steps To Get Help

Millennials Too Lonely, Depressed and Mentally Ill To Work

Don’t let depression at work derail your life and career.

Depression at work can manifest itself in many ways. Maybe you have difficulty concentrating on the tasks at hand, are exhausted because you cant sleep, feel on the verge of tears all the time, are nervous and overwhelmed, or some combination of the above.

But experiencing depression at work isnt exactly remarkable, right? Better learn to suck it up and deal, right? Not exactly. Theres a definite difference between regular olworkplace stressa big presentation, a clients disapproval, a heavy workloadand actual depression.

When you experience persistent, troubling feelings that wont go away no matter what you do, and those feelings interfere with all areas of your life, it’s important to get support. You’d hardly be alone. According to a Monster survey of 1,000 full-time and part-time employees in the United States, many employees have experienced depression and physical illness as a result of their job 34% said their job negatively affects their mental health.

Depression can be debilitating, so its not surprising that it can impact your experiences at work. A survey by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America asked people which aspects of their job were affected by anxiety and depression. The results:

  • workplace performance
  • relationship with co-workers and peers
  • quality of work
  • relationships with superiors

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Are You Too Depressed To Work

Mental Health Education » Are You Too Depressed to Work?

Most people feel gloomy or burned out at work from time to time. Short-term mood fluctuations and emotional responses to daily challenges are normal and healthy. These feelings are not the same as major depressive disorder , a serious mental illness that can have crippling symptoms. In fact, the World Health Organization identifies depression as a leading cause of disability.

Why does depression affect your ability to work? And how can you manage symptoms of depression at work? Once you have the answers to these questions, you can begin looking for an effective treatment for MDD.

Depression And Suicide: Getting Help In A Crisis

Some people who are depressed may think about hurting themselves or committing suicide . If you or someone you know is having thoughts about hurting themselves or committing suicide please seek immediate help. The following resources can help:

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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.

Who Is At High Risk For Depression

Work Anxiety

Those most at risk for developing depression include women, the elderly, those with a personal or family history of depression, chronic stressors, those with other concurrent mental and physical health conditions, low socioeconomic status, and those taking medications that may cause depression, like birth control or some anxiety medications.

Also Check: Depression Support Groups Gainesville Fl

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.

You Dont Feel Much At All

Depression doesnt always make people feel big emotions like sorrow or anger. Sometimes, depression can make you feel completely numb.

People with depression frequently describe being emotionally flatlined, says James Greenblatt, psychiatrist. One patient described it my life used to be in high-res technicolor, but now Im stuck wandering through dull black-and-white.

Negative thinking a common symptom of depression might cloud your optimism about the future.

Its motivating and heart-warming to be excited about future career advancements, plans to fix up a home, or starting a family. But now, those dreams might feel too difficult to achieve. A snowball of negative thoughts might focus on the potential for failure, instead of excitement.

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Things You Used To Enjoy Arent Interesting Anymore

We all have things we dont want to do and procrastinate on starting. But depression often strips away the joy around hobbies we love. For example, maybe you havent cracked open a book in months, even though reading used to be something you loved.

Activities that used to bring joy topics that used to inspire passion or motivation have been drained of all meaning and positive impact , Greenblatt says.

What Causes Depression

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Depression is a complex condition. There are different factors that can lead to depression, including:

  • genetics if you have a close relative with depression, youre more likely to experience depression yourself
  • physical health problems
  • childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect or bereavement
  • stressful life events such as unemployment, the end of a relationship, or being bullied or assaulted.

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When To See A Doctor

Those who are experiencing symptoms of depression should seek medical assistance. Depression can worsen without treatment and affect a persons quality of life.

A family doctor or mental health professional will discuss treatment options to help the person manage their depression and carry on with daily life.

In severe cases, depression can lead to thoughts of suicide or physically harming oneself.

Any suicidal thoughts or statements about not wanting to live should be taken seriously. In times of crisis, a person should seek help from a hospital emergency department.

Help is also available from the National Suicide Prevention Helpline by calling 1-800-273-TALK , or visiting the Helplines website.

How Is Depression Treated

In many cases, clinical depression is treated with antidepressant medication. This method is fairly straightforward and often boosts your mood to a level where you feel as though you can function normally again.

Another popular way to treat clinical depression is through exercise therapy, this can be extremely effective.

As you exercise, your body produces natural endorphins which elevate your mood, exercise also boosts your self-esteem and gives you something to focus on.

Some people may require counselling for their depression. A popular method is cognitive behavioural therapy which helps to manage your condition by changing the way you think and behave.

Other techniques include group or family talking therapies to help you express how youre feeling.

At Rehab Clinics Group, our expert team deliver a wide variety of therapies to treat mental health issues, thus helping you to manage depression at work.

Alcohol Addiction

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What Are The Different Types Of Depression

Two common forms of depression are:

  • Major depression, which includes symptoms of depression most of the time for at least 2 weeks that typically interfere with ones ability to work, sleep, study, and eat.
  • Persistent depressive disorder , which often includes less severe symptoms of depression that last much longer, typically for at least 2 years.

Other forms of depression include:

  • Perinatal depression, which occurs when a woman experiences major depression during pregnancy or after delivery .
  • Seasonal affective disorder, which comes and goes with the seasons, typically starting in late fall and early winter and going away during spring and summer.
  • Depression with symptoms of psychosis, which is a severe form of depression where a person experiences psychosis symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations .

Individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder also experience depression.

Drug And Alcohol Abuse

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Because self-medication with drugs and alcohol is so common among people with depression, it is important to note that the ADA does not cover those with a substance abuse problem. Any employee with a substance abuse problem can be held to the same standards as other employees. If your employer does not know about your depression and then later discovers a substance abuse problem, you will not be protected.

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How Does Untreated Clinical Depression Affect Physical Health

There is mounting evidence that clinical depression takes a serious toll on physical health. The most recent studies exploring health and major depression have looked at patients with stroke or coronary artery disease. Results have shown that people with major depression who are recovering from strokes or heart attacks have a more difficult time making health care choices. They also find it more difficult to follow their doctor’s instructions and to cope with the challenges their illness presents. Another study found that patients with major depression have a higher risk of death in the first few months after a heart attack.

Identify Some Small Things That Bring You Joy

Since depression zaps your energy, motivation, and interest, its important to identify things in your job or work setting that bring you either some enjoyment or feelings of accomplishment, says Matos.

For example, maybe taking a short walk to get a coffee at your favorite coffee shop brings you some joy, or eating lunch with a coworker makes you feel less sad. Maybe you love one particular task at work.

Whatever your happy thing is, schedule it into your day as a little reward for getting through the less-fun stuff.

The idea is to find moments of enjoyment or mastery, Matos says. This can make you feel better and reduce the impact of depression on your work.

Those moments of good might feel small, especially compared to the feelings that depression brings with it, but they can still help you find little bright spots in your day to help you stay on task.

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How To Manage An Employee With Depression

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Yet despite its enormous and growing toll, many employers take an ad hoc approach to handling depression among employees. Many managers become aware of mental health issues only when they investigate why a team member is performing poorly. A better scenario would be if employees felt empowered to report a mental health problem and ask for a reasonable accommodation so that their manager can intervene to minimize the damage to the organization and help the employees return as quickly as possible to full health. A first step for managers is to educate themselves about the disorder. Other interventions, such as allowing a flexible work schedule, simplifying work demands, and minimizing negative criticism can help depressed employees manager the disorder and return to full mental health more quickly.

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. One in five Americans are affected by mental health issues, with depression being the most common problem. A recent report by Blue Cross Blue Shield found that depression diagnoses are rising at a faster rate for millennials and teens than for any other generation. All told, the disorder is estimated to cost $44 billion a year in lost productivity in the U.S. alone

Here is a guide for managers on how to negotiate work arrangements for individuals with depression.

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