Depression at work? What to do?



Depression at work has become a case study due to its frequency. It is the main cause of decreased productivity in many organizations.

In recent years, statistics on sick leave due to depression have skyrocketed. Working conditions, stress, and adverse situations are factors driving these numbers upward.

Companies must implement health protocols and measures to prevent it among their employees. To the extent that workplace depression is prevented, it can also be prevented from becoming a more difficult illness to treat.

Why does it occur? What causes it?

Everyone has a unique life story, with diverse experiences and a different parenting and education style than others. But there are specific factors that lead to employee discomfort at work.

From the outset, it's very important that you begin by acknowledging this displeasure. As with everything, if you decide to share it with someone, they may not give it enough importance. On the other hand, if you talk to your closest circle, they may be able to understand, to a certain extent, the situation you're going through. Keep in mind that one of the reasons we work is to receive financial compensation, and it's highly likely that their advice will be in line with this reality.

That's why we establish that the only person who knows your limits and limits is you. In addition to acknowledging your feelings, it's very important to do some deep reflection and establish the work life you want to lead.

These are some of the most common causes of workplace discomfort:

• The job you have isn't aligned with what you studied or what you enjoy. We all know that sometimes, limited job opportunities force us to take positions that don't excite us in the least.
• Adverse work environment. Workplaces with damaged equipment, unpainted walls, non-functional furniture, and poor lighting and ventilation are some factors that do not contribute to our well-being at work. Add to this inflexible schedules and low wages, and depression, anxiety, and stress can develop.
• Personal Marking. There are times when a boss or coworker places us in specific stressful situations, something we call personal marking, where we feel watched, questioned, and judged for every move or decision we make. If this develops over time, it can lead to depression.

What to do about it?

That said, you can take two approaches. You can either pretend nothing's happening until the impact becomes so severe that your mood temporarily or permanently incapacitates you, or you can acknowledge that you're in an uncomfortable position and take charge of the situation. If you choose the latter, here are some recommendations:

1. Look for additional income in the field you're good at and enjoy. As you develop that activity, the time will come when you can say goodbye to that job you hate so much.
2. Change jobs, but do so in a thoughtful and strategic way. Salary is important, so it's not a good idea to leave that income behind until you have a way to replace it.

What do I do if I can't quit my job?

 There are times when we don't have much of a choice, so you need to first stay calm and recognize that you'll be here for a while. And during that time, take small, targeted actions to make life more bearable. In the technological age, it's very easy to learn new things for free. If you're in this situation, we recommend:

• Learn relaxation techniques (YouTube is full of them)
• Perform basic breathing exercises immediately after a hostile or highly stressful situation.
• Learn or take meditation courses that help you control your thoughts and avoid those that cause you discomfort.
• Spend your free time doing things you really like and enjoy.
• Give yourself small rewards with the money you earn

 Isolating ourselves, complaining, and feeling bad won't get us anywhere. There are always small actions we can take while we find a better job.

 If you try these recommendations and feel that you are not able to improve, therapy is an ideal mechanism to do so and remember that “In Psycolocity… BEING your best version is possible.”

Contact us and we'll find the solution together.