Work and depressed

Evie0207

I went back to work part time in April from full time after coming back from maternity with my first baby.

I had an extremely rough year whilst off medically with my daughter and myself. I've been diagnosed with pnd and taking anti depressants for it.

I hate working naturally as I would rather be at home bonding with my daughter.

Anyway, the last 4 month my company has gone bust so to speak, most employees have been shipped elsewhere but they have kept me on as admin for a tiny contract.

But I'm finding work is making my depression worse, not working itself as I enjoy to break but where I work.

It's a freezingggg empty warehouse, I'm in a massive office alone with not one person to communicate with and not a lot of work to do which is really getting me down.
I just can't handle it anymore, been applying for jobs everyday and had interviews, few unsuccessful and one lined up.

My point is, would it be bad if I went off work with depression? I've worked since I was 15 and never been out of work or ever off with depression so this is new for me.

What are my options? I'm terrified I'll lose my job If I do? Or if I do go off, am I expected to mope around my house all day?

Sofitos

It seams, you have two issues: first is a depression and second one - workplace where you are almost alone.
Second is making worse your diagnose and chanse to recovery.

Honestly, if I would work almost alone with a minimum communication with anyone, I would have been in depression too.
It seams beter for you try to find a new job, but not to upset with unsuccessful interviews.

daytona0

Could you buy a portable fire and bring in your laptop? That's what I'd do in a dive like that! Would actually be a fairly tolerable!

Takeaway_Addict

Could the work be done at home if you're on your own anyway?

Mr.Generous

get radio 2 on - a bit of company and you can always do Popmaster quiz every morning at 10.30 brew time.

asajj

Could you ask to work from home at least 2-3 days a week? Also, I'd seek help if you feel down constantly. It can be even something like iron deficiency ( speaking from experience) but just get it checked.

I also found more difficult to find a job when I was feeling down. I believe it is shown as unwillingness during an interview - it might be only me, but it just creates a vicious circle.

ohreally

Get the work done, pull out the big chair and lights out.

Keedie

Hi Evie,

I also had PND when I was on maternity leave and due to a host of medical and personal issues I was also on anti-depressants and nearly 10 years later I still am. But I don't see taking them as a problem, as I have reasoned that people take medication for blood pressure, diabetes etc. But to be honest, the best 'remedy' for depression, in my case, has been therapy. You should see what services are in your local area, although it is a bit of a postcode lottery, you may be lucky enough to get someone to talk through these things with.

That aside, the best thing that I have found over the years is to take the time out when it becomes too much. Being signed off sick for depression doesn't have to involve 'moping around' any moreso than you would if you were on annual leave or on the weekend. Sometimes it is just necessary to have that break. But don't feel bad if you take that time and also use childcare so that you can have some actual time out. This will help you to refresh yourself and will make you appear more approachable etc in interviews as you will become more confident.

I have been signed off work for months at a time in the past, and I was working in a role that I hated. All of this knocked my confidence in my ability to do my job or find another. So the fact that you are able to complete applications and get to the interview stage with depression and a small child is a big achievement in itself and something that you should be proud of.:T

If you don't like the idea of not working - as sometimes it can do more harm than good, as we are all different - then perhaps you can make your solitary working environment work in your favour. As others have said, listen to the radio etc so that you have some background noise/company. And use the downtime at work when things are not that busy to do something that will help you for your personal and professional life once you leave this job. When I was too overwhelmed at work, I used to colour in those zen like colouring books, read on my kindle or play games on my phone during my breaks. Sometimes I even watched BBC iplayer during my lunch break and zoned everyone out. At other times, I made a list of things that I needed to do at home, or how I would answer interview questions etc.

You will find your own way of muddling through, but don't be afraid to take that time out if you need it, or ask for more help from your GP or friends/family. But most of all be kind to yourself. Depression makes us see the worst in ourselves and our situations. So try and do something each day for yourself that will make you feel a bit better, even if it is just walking to the shops, putting on make up, spending an extra minute or two in the shower. It all adds up, and it will slowly give you a sense of being more in control of things. :grouphug:

Good luck and take care,
x

ska_lover

Gosh I wold love to work alone, id get the work done, and then online shopping, watching films, catching up o EastEnders on the iplayer, and snoozing. for the cold, take in a portable radiator . keep job searching

Of course you could go on the sick, but for me, when I had depression I found being busy far better for my mental health, than sitting behind four walls all day

Savvy_Sue

I think there is a balance to be found here: there's a risk if you're signed off that it will hinder your chances of getting other jobs - employers cannot ask about your health / sickness record before offering you the job, but they certainly can do so when they take up references.

But if the job is making you so depressed, you might well do better not being there!

I would definitely go and talk to your GP: talking therapies may help, they may have other suggestions, or they may want to change your medication if it's not working so well.

ScorpiondeRooftrouser

What you have is a situation where you are bored, cold and finding things a bit !!!! because it is boring, cold and a bit !!!!.

Your job is !!!!. Do it, or don't do it, or find another one.