Our careers shape much of our adult lives which means it is necessary to ensure that we are happy with whatever we do. Today’s developments offer us a wide range of career choices. These choices can make or break who we are, and can impact those close to us too. If you happen to find yourself working a job you are not happy doing, you could be at a potential risk of developing work-related depression, which will further impact your life as well as that of your family and friends.
How do you know if you are unhappy in your career?
- You wake up not wanting to go to work
Each morning is a struggle, leaving you frustrated and angry for the rest of the day.
- You don’t see a good future
You feel like there is no point in trying to better yourself or improve your skills.
- Your only motivation is the paycheck
Instead of giving your life meaning, your work is only a source of sustenance for you.
- You keep wishing you were doing something else
Day-dreaming is a lifeboat saving you from feeling drained constantly.
If you are able to relate to this, you are not satisfied with your career and are at a high risk of being depressed due to it. What you do for a living cannot be isolated from your life. Short-term stress such as an occasional rush to meet a deadline, or to finish a project are proven to boost performance. On the other hand, regular stress at work causes serious damage to the body. This can cause depression, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and even heart disease.
Some common signs of workplace depression are:
- Increased anxiety levels
- Low energy and motivation
- Constant boredom and tiredness
- Prolonged sadness
- Inability to pay attention and making excessive errors
- Significant increase or decrease in appetite
- Feelings of anger and irritability, crying and tearfulness at random times
- Substance or alcohol abuse
- Feeling indifferent and detached
Your career defines you. So, if you are dissatisfied, keep in mind that it is never too late to change careers, or seek help from a licensed therapist if you feel like it has taken a toll on you. There are steps you can take, along with therapy, to regain control over your life and work in order to find balance.
Take adequate breaks during the day. It is important to give yourself space and time in order to bring productivity to the table. Take few minutes every day to relax and destress. Utilize your vacation days to reboot. Work can become monotonous, so try viewing it from a different and fresh perspective. You can also always begin looking for better career options that suit you and your interests. This can be life-saving in some situations.
When your career provides you motivation and aids your individual growth:
- You feel excited to take up everyday as a new challenge
- Your career begins defining you positively
- You feel empowered to make it to the top
- You are physically and mentally healthy
Workplace depression is a serious illness that is growing exponentially, especially since the onset of the pandemic. 36% Indian employees suffer from workplace depression and anxiety (survey by The 7th Fold). Prioritize your health, your happiness and your goals. Reach out to a licensed therapist for help.
Charu Aganpal
Hope- The Psychology Clinic-Depression Counselling in Faridabad
2142, Sector-28, HBC (Near Geeta Hospital)
Faridabad
To book your appointment, call or message on: 9999409435
