What to Do When You Are Too Depressed to Work? (9+ Fail-Proof Solutions)
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In this guide, we will discuss what can be done if you feel like “I can’t work anymore due to depression.”
According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 1 in 15 people are affected by depression in any given year (APA). Depression is a prevalent and severe disorder of mental health that has a detrimental effect on how you feel, perceive, and act. People with depression can feel sadness and a lack of interest in previously enjoyed hobbies. Ultimately, this can impact their ability to work. The APA predicts that at some point in their lives, 1 in 6 people will experience depression.
If you suffer from depression, it can be difficult for you to perform the duties that you need to do as part of your work. Occasionally, going to work can even be too difficult.
You’re not alone. Don’t worry. Mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and stress are the third most common cause for people to be away from work, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) has shown.
I can’t work anymore due to depression
You have trouble focusing on the tasks at hand, are tired because you can’t sleep, feel all the time on the verge of tears, are anxious and overwhelmed, or any of the above mixes.
You are too exhausted and it is best to keep your job and avoid a no call no show.
There is a definite distinction between normal old stress in the workplace-a broad presentation, the disappointment of a customer, a heavy workload, and real depression.
“Aimee Barr, a Brooklyn-based psychotherapist, says: “If you have very unpleasant feelings that just won’t go down, no matter what you do, and those feelings interfere with all aspects of your life, it’s important to get help, as you may be experiencing symptoms of depression.
Depression symptoms that impair your work abilities
There are depressive symptoms that can impair the ability to function. This may include:
- Making it difficult to keep motivated
- Struggling to focus
- Sleeping Trouble
- Losing interest in things you have enjoyed before
People may also isolate themselves when stressed, stress unnecessarily about getting work done, and feel bad about letting other individuals down. It can also be hard for them to speak about how they feel at work because they feel afraid of being judged.
Work triggers that might cause depression
The job-depression relationship is one that can work both ways. Depression can affect your ability to do your job well, and stress at work can also lead to an individual being depressed. Some triggers linked to work that can cause severe stress include:
- High load of jobs
- Being asked to do stuff beyond your level of competency
- Sudden shifts with colleagues or problems
In this guide, we discussed what can be done if you feel like “I can’t work anymore due to depression.”
How to deal with “I can’t work anymore due to depression”
Dr. Marinus Klijnsma (MBBS, MCRPsych), a Consultant Psychiatrist at Chelmsford Priory Hospital, looked at how and why depression can affect your working life and how your job can influence your mental health as well. He has explained the steps you should take as a result of your depression if you are unable to go to work.
Talk to someone you trust
It can be helpful to talk things over with someone you trust when you start experiencing depression symptoms such as feeling low and nervous, struggling to complete your workload, or not being able to handle normal stresses especially well. This may be your partner at work, another relative, or a trusted colleague. Try to talk about whether it is the work that probably triggers the symptoms during this period.
Talk to your manager
Try to discuss the concerns with your line manager if you believe your job is leading to your depression. If you believe your signs of depression are not triggered by your work, try to determine what else could lead to feeling depressed in your life and try to tackle these problems.
Anisha Patel-Dunn, LifeStance Health’s psychiatrist and chief medical officer, suggests talking one-on-one. “I’ve been struggling with a lot of stress and anxiety and would like to request some changes to my schedule or time-off, etc.”I have been struggling with a lot of stress and anxiety and would like to request some improvements to my schedule or time-off, etc.”Be as honest and as candid as you can be. Many managers and supervisors are experiencing the same emotions and/or have loved ones struggling with these issues, “Be as honest and as candid as you can be. Many managers and supervisors experience the same feelings and/or have loved ones struggling with these problems, If you don’t know exactly what you’d like from your boss, it’s also OK to bring it up.
“I’ve been dealing with some intense changes in my family life, and it’s been a major source of anxiety for me lately. I know I’ve been distracted during the workday as a result of this, and it’s taking a toll on my ability to be ‘on’ the way I need to be. I don’t know exactly how to solve this, because it’s an ongoing situation, but I think it could be helpful for both of us if we spent more time in our check-ins setting goals and priorities so I can know when I’m on track and when I’m getting behind.”I’ve been dealing with some intense changes in my family life, and recently it’s been a major source of anxiety for me. As a result of this, I know I’ve been distracted during the workday, and it takes a toll on my ability to be ‘on’ the way I need to be. I don’t know exactly how to solve this, because it’s an ongoing situation, but I think it might be helpful.
If you’re not happy with your boss talking about it, approach your HR manager.
Write down your expectations
Depression, especially if you are working from home, can get in the way of your productivity. Having a list of measurable objectives in front of you can help you to visualize what you want to accomplish.
Establish a regular schedule
When you are not in an office, it can be possible to lose track of time. Not only does making a plan for the day help you complete your assignments, but it also creates opportunities to take breaks to improve your mental health.
Allow time for meditation
Meditation will provide you with a sense of stability and relaxation, which can give you inner peace and help boost overall feelings of well-being. Even if you can only afford to meditate for a few minutes, while you are working from home, consider the possible benefits. Try directed meditation for as little as 3 to 5 minutes.
Going for a stroll
Going for a walk helps both your physical health and your mental health. Daily, brisk walking may help boost your mood, suggesting that if you work from home regularly and live with depression, it might be worth incorporating it into your day. Take 10 minutes or more to walk, dance, or try any moves at home that work out.
Take time off
You may get to a point where your deep depression is severe enough that your mental health providers encourage you to take some time off work while changing your care if you’re too depressed to work. It is probably time to take time off work if it takes immense amounts of effort to get through the day and your career is suffering. It is appropriate to regroup if hiding your symptoms is proving difficult and colleagues note a change in actions. This does not mean that you can stop working entirely. You can work from home or you can take a week off.
Changing your job
It matters what you do for 8hrs a day every day. What surrounds you matters. You’re not in a good position if you don’t feel like your job is meaningful and/or the atmosphere is dreadful. Again, it is important to remember that the leading cause of disability worldwide is depression. The symptoms are likely bad enough even with medication making it impossible to work a 40-hour workweek.
You have choices if this is your case. To prevent those causes, you may speak to your boss about working from home. Through a resource like Upwork, you could provide your skills on a freelance basis.
Availing disability benefits
Disability benefits are an option as well. Temporarily, some states give this. The Social Security and Supplementary Security Income Disability Services will include your retirement benefits early (including Medicare) at the federal level, but approvals can be hard.
This procedure can take years, even with complete documentation, so you might want to employ a lawyer who specializes in disability law. Many of these attorneys only obtain fees after the benefits have been accepted.
Seek professional help
Finding support is vital. It would be a good first step to see your GP, although using Occupational Health resources at your job can also be helpful. It is important to note that there is treatable depression. If depression is more serious, there are several different forms of treatment available, such as talking therapies, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and antidepressant medication.
FAQs: I can’t work anymore due to depression
Can depression make you unable to work?
Depression under the Americans with Disabilities Act is considered a mental disorder (ADA). It is a major mood condition known to interfere with day-to-day tasks, which may include the ability to function. Often, depression becomes so severe that you can no longer go to work.
What happens if you can’t work due to anxiety?
You might well be entitled to social security disability (SSDI) payments if you are disabled because of an anxiety condition that prevents you from functioning.
Can you be fired for depression?
Due to mental illness, I had to take time off work. Should anyone be fired or not paid? No. If you have had to take time off, it’s illegal for your boss not to pay you, or fire you.
How do you tell your boss you’re struggling mentally?
If you know what you would like to ask your boss to ease your workload, you can do something like: “I have been dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety and would like to request any adjustments to my schedule or time-off, etc.” Be as frank and as candid as you can be.
Is anxiety and depression a disability?
Since having severe depression or anxiety may make it difficult for a person to work or earn a living, people with both severe depression and severe anxiety (a common combination) can collect disability through the disability insurance program of the Social Security Administration (SSDI).
References
https://www.priorygroup.com/blog/steps-to-take-if-you-feel-too-depressed-to-work
https://successtms.com/blog/too-depressed-to-work#what-can-you-do
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