Work Depression: What It Is and How to Deal with It (2023)

FAQs

How do you deal with a job that makes you depressed? ›

overall feelings of boredom and complacency about your job. low energy and lack of motivation to do things, which can sometimes manifest as boredom in tasks. persistent or prolonged feelings of sadness or low mood.

After realizing that you need help, reach out to a colleague that you trust. A loyal and reliable coworker can help you vent or think things through. If you need more help, a supervisor might be the best person to talk to, given they may be informed about resources that could help with mental health.

It contributes to presenteeism, or employees at work but not engaged, and absenteeism, or employees missing days of work. It may also adversely impact multiple areas of employee performance, including focus and decision making, time management, completing physical tasks, social interactions, and communication .

If you find yourself in a situation in which it is emotionally, physically, or mentally draining (or worse) for you even to show up to work, let alone get excited and perform at a high level—you need to leave.

So how long can you be signed off with depression? For as long as you need to get better. Some employees may need to take time off for treatment while others could just require a couple of days away from work. It's possible to return to work before a fit note runs out.

LEAVE FOR MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS UNDER THE FMLA

An eligible employee may take FMLA leave for their own serious health condition, or to care for a spouse, child, or parent because of a serious health condition. A serious health condition can include a mental health condition.

Can I quit my job for mental health reasons? ›

So while leaving without notice isn't common courtesy, it doesn't have to burn bridges or ruin your career if you're honest about why you need to leave. In other words, a toxic work environment that's impacting your mental health is a very valid reason for wanting to leave quickly.

Making the decision to step away from a job is not always easy or feasible. But when your physical or emotional well-being is suffering and your stress isn't eased by the occasional mental health day, experts say it's generally best to start looking elsewhere.

“If you have communicated your needs clearly and taken responsibility for your part in what may be going on, and if you've asked for reasonable adjustments to be made and still, nothing changes, it may be time to leave.”

It's entirely up to you how much you want to disclose - you don't have to "name" your condition but be careful about words like “stress” which can mean many different things and is often misinterpreted. If you have seen your doctor, and have a diagnosis, then let your employer know you are ill.

Talking about our struggles is important because it helps to create an open and honest work environment. People feel more comfortable talking about their struggles when they know their work environment is supportive, too.

Talking about your mental health doesn't need to be scary or over-complicated, you can start the conversation by simply saying, “I need to get something off my chest” or “I need to talk, do you have time to listen?” Just remember to tell your boss only what is necessary.

Depression and Work

Disruption of thought processes could mean that your attention span is limited. It can make it difficult for you to complete tasks or hit deadlines. If you've lost enthusiasm for your work or have a low mood, you may have difficulty collaborating with coworkers or communicating with your team.

Study after study shows that the effects of job unhappiness can impact your overall mental health, causing problems with sleep, anxiety, and depression.

Many jobs can be suitable for people with depression. Jobs that offer autonomy and flexibility, like freelance writing or virtual assistant work, may be particularly beneficial for people with depression.

You are no longer able to fulfill your job responsibilities. There are substantially better opportunities available at another organization. You need more work-life balance. You dread going to work.

What are the red flags for quitting a job? ›

Frantic emails off-hours, unnecessary follow-ups, micromanagement, unrealistic deadlines and expectations, complete disregard of work/life balance—and, in this case, utter disregard for unique personal needs—are major red flags that can compound over time and lead employees to quit.

“I recently learned about this term called quiet quitting, where you're not outright quitting your job but you're quitting the idea of going above and beyond,” Khan says. “You're still performing your duties, but you're no longer subscribing to the hustle-culture mentality that work has to be your life.

Through the story of a CEO turned pizzeria manager, Lencioni reveals the three elements that make work miserable -- irrelevance, immeasurability, and anonymity -- and gives managers and their employees the keys to make any job more fulfilling.

Through the fable and the more direct final section, Lencioni identifies three forces that make a job miserable: anonymity, irrelevance, and immeasurement.

mood swings. being withdrawn. loss of motivation, commitment and confidence. increased emotional reactions – being more tearful, sensitive or aggressive.

They developed a signs of struggle (SOS) checklist under five categories: distress, withdrawal, reduced attendance, degradations in performance, and extreme behaviors. ...

Yes. People with depression are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA defines a person with a disability as anyone who: Has a physical or mental health problem that “substantially limits” at least one major life activity — this could be working or taking care of yourself.

You should seek the help of medical professionals such as a psychotherapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist if you experience prolonged periods of a low mood, aversion or disinterest in activities or work, disruptions to your sleep, or thoughts of suicide or self-harm.

When should you take a break from work due to mental health? ›

Lack of sleep and poor nutrition are two of the most obvious, yet neglected signs that it's time to take a mental health break. Not only is your physical energy diminished, your emotional energy and intelligence are also impacted.

When a nervous breakdown is work-related, some professionals refer to it as burnout syndrome. It's most likely brought on by stress from work including upcoming deadlines, increased workloads, unreasonable targets, etc.

It's not advisable to stay in a job that corrodes your mental health, even if it pays well. While quitting might be the easiest and fastest way out, some people might not have that luxury. They might end up in a worse situation. No amount of money can replace your happiness.

If your stress is impacting your health, you may want to resign immediately so you can focus on getting help. Otherwise, giving notice can help preserve your professional reputation. Assess your current situation and decide which option is best for you, then clearly state your last day in your resignation letter.

Here is the straightforward answer regarding this issue: it is illegal for an employer to fire an employee because of a mental health condition. It is unlawful for a company to discriminate against a physical disability or mental health condition.

If you decide to fully disclose burnout as a cause, frame it as a strength. For example, if your burnout was due to a values mismatch, explain the steps you've taken to get clear about your values and how the new position is a better fit.

Yes, doing something you hate every day can take a toll on your body, but a dislike of your job is less likely to manifest itself in your body the same way true burnout would. If symptoms like headaches, backaches, panic attacks, or stomach issues are weighing you down, it's likely burnout that you're dealing with.

Having a full and realistic estimate of your monthly expenses is key before quitting a job. Saving enough to cover six month's worth of expenses should be a bare minimum. Make saving a priority, consider starting a side hustle, and stick to your budget for best results.

Is burnout a good reason to quit? ›

You're Burnt Out. Is burnout and stress on your list of good reasons to quit a job? If your job has lost its luster and you feel like the long hours, pressure and anxiety aren't worth it anymore; you're not alone. Every day, people quit their jobs due to the emotional exhaustion and chronic stress of demanding roles.

As with all things, you only need to disclose what you feel comfortable talking about. Addressing mental health with your employer can have positive outcomes and can enable them to support you. In the long run, it can improve how you feel about work and empower you to seek help when needed.

There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to telling people at work about your mental health condition. Whether you choose to tell others can depend on how much your condition affects your role, the amount of support you have outside the workplace and your relationships with your colleagues.

Applying for family and medical leave act (FMLA): FMLA allows eligible employees to take an unpaid leave of absence from work for medical reasons. You are eligible for up to twelve weeks (in a 12-month period) if you are deemed unable to work due to your mental illness.

Explain in clear terms what you believe is leading to burnout. Examples include unreasonable deadlines, unfair treatment, and unclear expectations. Morand recommends reminding your boss that you value your job and are being honest in an effort to resolve the burnout.

Similar to an actual toxin in the air, a toxic work environment is detrimental to your mental and physical health. If you stay too long, it can lead to high stress levels, poor self-esteem, and depression.

This guidance talks generally about work-related stress but where such stress is prolonged it can lead to both physical and psychological damage, including anxiety and depression. Work can also aggravate pre-existing conditions, and problems at work can bring on symptoms or make their effects worse.

When you feel yourself starting to grow hopeless, remember to stay positive, avoid “always” or “never” thinking, and fill your time with activities that are going to help your resume. If you do all of these things, you will never have to worry about the job search feeling hopeless ever again.

It may be time to quit your job when you're no longer motivated to complete your daily tasks, feel overworked or burnt out, or want to move beyond your current position into a more advanced one. These are a few signs that it may be time to quit your job and get a better one that more effectively meets your needs.

How do you survive an emotionally toxic workplace? ›

A Toxic Workplace Likely Has Rapid Employee Turnover

Conversely, if employees are constantly being laid off or fired, this can be a sign of a few other toxic elements. A high turnover rate usually means there's disorganization, lack of direction, bad leadership, or little opportunity.

Many people cry when they feel frustrated, anxious, or deeply passionate about and invested in their work. Over the last year, many of my coaching clients have asked how to recover from crying at work. It's no surprise, because workers are under greater stress and facing record rates of burnout.

If your employer cannot accommodate your needs, or your needs are too great to continue working, then quitting your job might save your mental health. This is a tough decision so do not make it alone. Work with a physician, counselor, or psychotherapist to determine how you can proceed down this path.

It's entirely up to you how much you want to disclose - you don't have to "name" your condition but be careful about words like “stress” which can mean many different things and is often misinterpreted. If you have seen your doctor, and have a diagnosis, then let your employer know you are ill.

If you've been seeing signs you need to quit your job for the whole year but haven't taken action on it, you're probably now wondering if December is the best month to resign. Traditionally, experts would say that it is, simply because January, which is just weeks away, is the best month to apply for jobs.