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Ask HN: Depression and job

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Ask HN: Depression and job

#1
I have a good job. It pays well. I work with intelligent people. It's programming in a trading company (which doesn't align with my values that much).

Lately I've been feeling depressed and overwhelmed and burnout from all the work that I have to do and some personal stuff in my life.

I wake up every morning feeling anxious, I am starting to have panick attacks at work and I have lost my concentration and the ability to think straight. The other day I started crying while talking to a collegue.

What should I do? Is quitting this job a good idea?

edit: i'm seeing a therapist lately and got some meds but I think this lifestyle is not for me anyways.

Re: Ask HN: Depression and job

#4
Have you tried to take a break? A 2-3 week break. By pausing your life you’ll free up more space in your brain to think about what is next for you. Quitting could be the solution, but there is a chance that it might aggravate things. Surround yourself with family and close friends too. Communicate with them, talking about your problems with people who really care about you will help.

As a first step though - Go back to your therapist ASAP and tell him/her the meds don’t do anything.

Re: Ask HN: Depression and job

#5
Can you start with taking some time off to get your bearings, even if you need to take some unpaid?

And not sure if it’d help with your level of anxiety, but a few of my colleagues have told me CBD helps them relax without clouding their mind.

Re: Ask HN: Depression and job

#6
If you haven't taken time off with vacation days. I suggest you do for at least week to relax.

Take a step back to relax and think about yourself. Understand what's going on with your life and important to you.

I wouldn't quit yet until after you think about the situation.

Open yourself to people close to you. It might be hard, but I am sure they care for you and will listen to what you have to say.

Re: Ask HN: Depression and job

#7
* Leave work after 8 hours without making excuses

* Go to bed at the same time every night

* Get at least 7 hours of sleep. Try for 8.

* Stop drinking alcohol and using drugs

* Eat better. Cook your own meals. Do meal prep to make it easier.

* Start exercising. Start 3x per week, 15 min of HIIT per day.

* Drink a large glass of water when you wake up. Drink water throughout the day.

* Don't drink more than one cup of coffee per day

* Don't use sleeping pills

* Work hard during your 8 hours and let it go when you leave.

* Say "No" more at work. Do it with a smile.

* Do a few minutes of stretching and meditation every day.

* Start looking for another job. Put the feelers out. Set up notifications. Take it easy and schedule one or two phone calls per week. Think of it like fishing. You're just chilling out and casting your line and reeling it in. Sooner or later you'll hook something nice.

* Go for a 30-60min walk every day

* Get off of social media. Do more things in the real world.

* Spend more time at work conversing with people you like. Invite them to lunch. Go for walks with them. Go for drinks occasionally.

* Don't be in a rush to quit. Keep earning your good money until you catch the big fish.

* Eliminate all stress-inducing things and people in your life with extreme prejudice.

* When you feel fatigued, rest.

* Reconnect with true friends and family who lift you up. Disconnect with those that bring you down.

* Pick a hobby that makes you happy and do it at least 2x per week.

* Push back on everything possible at work. Does someone REALLY need "all the work [you] have to do" or are you taking it on unnecessarily. Again, say "No".

* Talk to your boss about taking a break or reducing workload. Let them know you're feeling overwhelmed. Ask for help and/or possibly a change.

* Reconsider meds from your therapist unless you have been diagnosed with an actual condition. Meds fix one thing and break several other things. Self-medicate with sleep, food and exercise but commit to not missing your "medication".

Re: Ask HN: Depression and job

#8
I think you're burned out and the personal stuff in your life is taking more of a toll than you think. I think you need to take some time off work, i.e. "mental health/self-care" days. Take at least one day off to just do nothing and chill out. You can use the other days to take care of your personal stuff. Take as much time as you need.

Also, if you're gonna quit your job, this is probably one of the safest times to do it.

Re: Ask HN: Depression and job

#9
post #7

* Leave work after 8 hours without making excuses * Go to bed at the same time every night * Get at least 7 hours of sleep. Try for 8. * Stop drinking alcohol and using drugs * Eat better. Cook your own meals. Do meal prep to make it easier. * Start exercising. Start 3x per week, 15 min of HIIT per day. * Drink a large glass of water when you wake up. Drink water throughout the day. * Don't drink more than one cup of…

Super solid advice here, If I need to only pick 3 immediate actions.

* Get at least 7 hours of sleep. Try for 8.

* Do a few minutes of stretching and meditation every day. (use Headspace or Calm applications)

And my personal recommendation:

* Sit and stand with your back straight. (This raises your confidence and assertiveness; then makes you feel in control; then reduces anxiety, and finally improve your health).

Re: Ask HN: Depression and job

#10
I too have been struggling with this a lot recently. I get myself into a state of high panic/stress, seemingly over nothing, and find it very difficult to get back down.

It doesn't interrupt my sleep all that much but it completely ruins my waking hours. I have to be very mindful not to let those thoughts creep into my head but sometimes I loose the battle.

Stay strong and don't give up!

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