Struggling to get through the workday when you’re battling depression can feel impossible. Some days, even the simplest tasks seem overwhelming, and other days, getting out of bed and making it to work may feel like an uphill battle.
You’re not alone. Every year, anxiety and depression account for 12 billion lost working days worldwide. Struggles with mental health can affect your personal well-being, as well as your focus, productivity, and job performance. Yet, many people feel pressured to push through their symptoms as they fear judgement or losing their job.
If you’re too depressed to work, support and treatment is available. Here’s an in-depth guide on workplace depression, why it happens, and the steps you can take to feel better.
Depression doesn’t always show up in obvious ways, especially in a work setting where people often try to mask how they feel. If you’ve been struggling to get through the workday, you might not even realize that what you’re experiencing could be tied to depression. Here are some signs to look out for:
Depression impacts work in many ways and affects cognitive function, physical health, and overall productivity. Many people experiencing depression struggle with motivation, concentration, and energy, making it difficult to complete everyday tasks or stay engaged in their job.
Depression alters brain function, which leads to difficulties in these areas:
Cognitive Function | Impact on Work |
Executive Function | Trouble planning, prioritizing, and managing tasks. Results in missed deadlines and disorganization. |
Memory | Forgetfulness, difficulty recalling important details, and struggling to retain new information. |
Attention | Shortened attention span, making it difficult to stay focused and engaged in tasks |
Psychomotor Speed | Slower thinking and movement, which can cause reduced productivity and longer completion times |
Aside from cognitive challenges, depression’s physical symptoms can make working even more difficult. Chronic fatigue leaves people feeling drained no matter how much rest they get, while muscle aches, headaches, and stomach issues happen without a clear medical cause. Insomnia or excessive sleeping can result in inconsistent work performance, and a weakened immune system increases the likelihood of absences. These symptoms can make it difficult to “show up” mentally, even when physically present.
Depression also affects creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making, all of which are key skills in many jobs. A recent study found that employees struggling with mental health issues had to exert more effort to complete creative tasks. This mental fog can lead to procrastination, hesitation in high-pressure situations, and difficulty thinking outside the box.
Additionally, the stigma around mental health in the workplace can add another layer of difficulty. Employees may fear speaking up about how they’re feeling due to concerns about job security or being perceived as unmotivated. This pressure to “push through” can cause burnout, which then could lead to depression.
Workplace environments can have a big effect on one’s mental health, and certain conditions can contribute to or worsen depression. Some common workplace triggers include:
How many hours a person works can also have an impact. Studies show that working 69+ hours per week increases the likelihood of moderate to severe depression. This is especially evident among women, low-income workers, and salaried employees.
Juggling depression with maintaining a job can be challenging, but there are some things you can do to make life a little bit easier. Here are some tips:
If your mental health is significantly affecting your ability to work, you may want to consider taking a leave of absence. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for serious health conditions.
To qualify for FMLA leave, you must:
Depression qualifies as a serious health condition if it causes periods of incapacity lasting more than three consecutive days and requires medical treatment, such as therapy, medication, or counseling. Chronic conditions like major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder also fall under FMLA protections.
Sometimes, if your depression does not improve or you feel like you need extra support, it might be time to seek professional mental health treatment. There isn’t one treatment for depression, but rather several different types, like therapy, medication, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and inpatient services. Let’s take a closer look.
Therapy is an effective treatment for depression as it helps individuals understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, all while learning healthier skills. There are several types of therapy that can help with depression, including:
Therapy can be short-term for immediate coping strategies, or long-term for deeper emotional work. A therapist can help create a therapy plan based on your symptoms, experiences, and personal goals.
Antidepressants are commonly used to treat depression, but how they work is still not fully understood. While researchers once believed that depression was caused by a chemical imbalance of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, newer research suggests that changes in brain structure and neural connections may play a part.
There are several types of antidepressants:
Newer antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs (second-generation antidepressants) are prescribed more often due to their effectiveness and fewer side effects compared to first-generation antidepressants, like TCAs.
In some cases, doctors may prescribe a combination of medications if a single drug isn’t providing enough relief. Research suggests that combining two different types of antidepressants can be more effective, especially for those with severe depression.
For those who have not had success with medication or therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation may be another treatment option to consider. TMS is a non-invasive form of brain stimulation that uses magnetic fields to target specific areas of the brain that are tied to depression. Unlike other treatments like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS does not require anesthesia and is generally well tolerated with minimal side effects.
TMS has shown promising results. A meta-analysis of 19 studies found that almost 40% of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) patients responded to TMS, compared to just 10% in the placebo group. Additionally, patients receiving active TMS were almost three times more likely to reach complete remission compared to those who did not receive the treatment.
Your mental health matters more than anything. If you’re too depressed to work and/or your job is contributing to your depression, it’s time to prioritize your well-being. From therapy to medication management to TMS therapy, Cura Behavioral Health offers several evidence-based treatments that can help you get back on track.
If you’re ready to learn about your options, we’re here for you. Reach out to our compassionate team of mental health professionals today.
Mental Health, Brain Health and Substance Use – World Health Organization
The Impacts of Poor Mental Health in Business – Berkeley Executive Education
Fact Sheet # 28O: Mental Health Conditions and the FMLA – U.S. Department of Labor
Depression: Learn More – How effective are antidepressants? – InformedHealth.org
Determining if TMS therapy suits your mental health journey should involve consultation with a qualified professional. At Cura Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive assessments to help you make informed treatment decisions.
Don’t let a mental health condition hold you back any longer. Schedule a consultation with Cura Behavioral Health today. Our experienced team is ready to answer your questions and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
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Dr. Kevin Simonson, an esteemed Medical Director at Cura Behavioral Health, brings over 15 years of experience in psychiatry. A graduate from a top medical school, he specializes in the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety, employing a patient-centered approach. His dedication to evidence-based care and his commitment to advancing mental health practices have made him a respected figure in the field. Dr. Simonson’s leadership ensures the highest standard of care for the community at Cura Behavioral Health.
