Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

Ask HN: Depression and job

news.ycombinator.com

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

11–20 of 78 posts

Re: Ask HN: Depression and job

#11

Post by finaliteration »

All that I can say is that I truly empathize with how you feel. I also see a therapist and take meds for a combination of PTSD/anxiety/depression, and I just realized that I’m very close to crossing the line into some pretty severe burnout, so I just accepted a job that’s closer to home and I expect will be less demanding.

If you feel like the job is taking its toll it probably won’t hurt to look elsewhere. I enjoy my current job, but it started demanding 10-12 hour days, working on vacation days, and time away from my family. Once I hit that point it was a sign that something needed to change, and I didn’t see the job changing anytime soon.

Do what’s best for you and the important people in your life. Never feel guilty about it. And for the love of god, don’t deal with it the way I do, which is shutting down and not communicating with people who can help.

Re: Ask HN: Depression and job

#12

Post by blablabla123 »

I've been there, about 3 years I was sooo down, which was while I co-founded a company. So there was this day when I didn't show up in the office with a cheesy excuse - which was not my style at all. One of my co-founders said then a week later we wants to stop the venture. I wanted to continue but actually this was the best thing ever. I should have stopped all that crap a year ago.

Before that stupid job my situation wasn't perfect but I was getting along. This has put me back a lot, both personally and professionally.

I strongly hint you to re-think your whole situation. Maybe you can take a longer time off and spend that time alone. Also hearing that you work at a trading company, those aren't exactly the most empathizing types of people.

I assume you have the qualifications to find a new job easily, maybe not such a unique one but still.

Don't be stupid and go with the head through the wall.

Re: Ask HN: Depression and job

#13

Post by Ancalagon »

Mc_Big_G wrote: 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…

Excellent advice. This is pretty much exactly the list I used to pull myself out of depression the last time

Re: Ask HN: Depression and job

#14

Post by blablabla123 »

Mc_Big_G wrote: 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…

True, this advice is very smart.

May I ask how you came up with that?

Re: Ask HN: Depression and job

#15

Post by delbel »

Mc_Big_G wrote: 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…

This is a really good list. The OP should print it out and put checkboxes, and everyday make sure he/she does each task list. Another thing to do is to start a journel and write three things: what you are grateful for today (could be a small thing, no scope), something like this checklist (I put in weight and what I ate or plan to eat with calories broken down by fat/carb/protein), and a list of "Victories" "Today, I did X and I declare VICTORY! over it" which also again, could be a really small thing, like I cleaned my room etc. THe idea is to change your brain chemistry, very slowly, into positive way of thinking. Again your list is great!

Re: Ask HN: Depression and job

#16

Post by Mc_Big_G »

blablabla123 wrote: post #14
Mc_Big_G wrote: 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…

True, this advice is very smart. May I ask how you came up with that?

Life (and keeping up with the latest research) :)

Re: Ask HN: Depression and job

#20

Post by update »

My drive/ambition for my job was driving me nuts. I started getting hives - for the first time in my life - from the stress.

The best thing I did was move from San Francisco to the northwoods near lake superior. You can buy a house out here for With cost of living being so low, you can a single one-off tech job and not have to worry about working for the next few months.

It is fantastic to be so free.

Just my experience but maybe you can gain something from it?

Post reply on HN