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Work-Depression

work depressed woman

What is work-depression?

Work-depression is not an official medical term. It's a way of describing a prolonged period of low-mood, self-doubt & anxiety as a result of one's job, which affects their ability to enjoy or engage in life outside of work.

There are similarities between clinical depression and work-depression. But with work-depression, a person's job is the root cause of their symptoms, rather than underlying mental health issues.

Warning Signs & Symptoms

If you think you could be suffering from depression, contact your GP & seek help from mental health professionals. But, if you think your job is the main source of stress, anxiety & unhappiness in your life, consider the following signs & symptoms of work depression.

  • Struggling to sleep, despite being exhausted from work.

  • Waking up with a feeling of dread each morning when your alarm goes off.

  • Being unable to enjoy things outside of work (due to work-stress).

  • Feeling physically tense & irritable (or totally emotionless) for most of the day.

  • A lack of energy and motivation for day to day tasks.

  • Feeling like the work you do is meaningless & provides no value to the world.

  • An underlying sense of anxiety, hesitance, & tightness in the gut.

  • Believing there's no hope for finding a better job.

What should you do about work-depression?

Thankfully, the symptoms of work-depression can be alleviated by making changes to one's working life, and while the changes are being made, there are plenty of ways to reduce the symptoms and help manage the way you feel.

  • If work-related stress is damaging your health, get a note from the doctor and take time off work.

  • Exercise more often, join a health club & take a regular sauna or steam room.

  • Start yoga classes or book yourself in for a massage.

  • Cut down on caffeine, if you consume large amounts to get by.

  • Be good to your gut, with probiotics & eat healthy diet, full of vitamins (& drink plenty of water).

  • If you struggle to sleep at night, listen to podcasts or audiobooks & try adding lavender drops on to your pillow.

  • Get more sun. It's proven to boost mood, and in the UK winter months, you're likely not getting enough vitamin D!

  • Try mindfulness - there's plenty of science behind it. Reputable guidance can be found here.

  • Work with a career coach to improve your career health & find a new job that fits who you are as an individual.

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We're here for you.

We can help you take control of your career, reduce stress & find the job you're meant to be doing. Book a free 20-minute consultation with one of our Career Guides today & take action against work-depression.

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