How do you cope with depression at work?

[obxtheres]

I work a Monday - Friday job alot is asked of me.......some days it's just so hard to even get out of the bed to deal with everyday life! I feel i'm on stage to please everybody but in side i'm crumbling. Some of my co-workers know i'm depressed and they to understand my feelings and try to help the best way they can, but than there are some that just it's all about them! Please help me !! Theresa

[kingnuthing]

I know exactly where you are coming from. I notice that at times of great stress and despair that my job seems to suffer greatly. This especially happens when my home life starts to come undone which it seems happens way too often and I become overwhelmed at work and loose all motivation. I have a sick child and that just seems to be a never ending up and down roller coaster.

I have done many things to try and cope and unfortunately they usually are more self destructive than good. Recently I found that exercising has really helped to keep me in a better place. I have never been one for working out but now i highly enjoy and recommend it. It takes every ounce of motivation and strength to do it but it is worth it.

Try to think of work as a getaway from the rest of your everyday life. I know that is easier said then done. It seems that when your life gets crazy at work it seems that there is nowhere to go to find comfort. During those times I try to use music to relax and make me feel better. I first play music of the mood I am in then play music of the mood I want to be in. It usually works give it a try.

I hope that you can find a way to help elevate your mood and get back on track.

[LeftCoastChick]

I don't see that your post was removed, I'm not sure what you mean by bleak?

[birdie0907]

There are also people like me that felt as bad as you last year before my meds kicked in. I spent 50 seconds of every minute fighting fears and grey feelings.
After the med kicked in, I was able to work happily through a very stressful workplace.

There is no guarantee what your situation will bring, but not everyone has a bleak experience.

Do as LCC says, and hope a professional can provide a better outcome than what you have today.

Write back.

[LeftCoastChick]

Depression is a tought thing to deal with, I've had problems at work to, and it affected my performance. Do you have a psychiatrist? Or could you get a referral to one? Are you on meds and/or have a therapist?

If it's affecting your life, especially if it's impacting you financially, you need to see a pdoc. Getting on meds will really help with the depression as well, especially if it's been going on for 3 months or more.( it's called Clinical Depression)  Most depression is caused by a chemical imbalance if it's been going on for that period of time or more. It's not a cure, but it sure balances your emotions out so if you are in a stress environment, like 99% of us who work for someone else, you'll be able to handle it better. I'm not a doctor, but can truly relate, you shouldn't have to suffer in any part of your life. Think of the depression like any other neurological condition.

I would suggest getting a check-up as well, to rule any other illness going on, some can show as a psychological issue like hypothyroidism. I have it mildly, and can tell if there are dips, but it's not bad enough to take a med for it, I do get blood tests every three months,my regualr doctor also does blood tests to make sure I'm fine because of the amount of medications I am on. I had a very serious reaction to Lithium in Dec/Jan because they didn't know I was borderline diabetic, don't freak out, this drug is used for Bipolar not Clinical Depression. I've never had a reaction to any Anti-depressant. Make sure you have a clean bill of health, and look at the possiblity of therapy and meds. Therapy is key to getting better. It works.

Keep writing here, there are a ton of folks who've been or are in the same shoes as you.
Sincerely,
LeftCoastChick
Depression Community Leader