Coping with depression while at work

I seem to have the most trouble with coping with my depression while I'm at work. Like many jobs, I'm trapped at a desk for 8+ hours a day and for some reason, that is when I feel my worst.

I have a hard time focusing on my work and my mind wanders way too much. I'm behind on some projects because I can't bring myself to work on them or do any research. I constantly think about quitting my job or wish I was at home in bed. Sometimes I go into the bathroom and just cry for a while and then go back to my desk and sit there and try to calm down, but it doesn't work most of the time.

I seem to do much better when I'm at home and can distract myself with various things or my husband is around to help cheer me up, but when I'm at work it's very hard.

I guess my question is: does anyone have solutions for dealing with depression while stuck at my desk all day at work? I'm looking for a new job that might be more interesting, but for right now I'd like to be less miserable while I'm there.

I you find a solution. Only being off work now, I realize that I was depressed.

It is hard to work at any job when you are in the grips of depression, I can emphathize. What's worse is being stuck at a desk all day with the same people around all the time. You can't really blend into the woodwork or hide how you are feeling. I have been self employed and find it easier seeing different people all the time, it's easier to hide your mood.

I don't have any advice other than try to schedule frequent breaks away from your desk if possible. Can you get out a lunch time and go for a walk? Sometimes just getting away from the office environment helps.Another option is FMLA leave until you are feeling better.

I hope things improve with you.

Yes, it is hard to hide depression at work. Twice during my life, I have had to take a "time out" -- once from college and once from work. These were separated by almost 40 years.

I don't know if this will help with depression, but it is helping me cope with 10-hour work days. I am wearing a pedometer, and this has made me see that I need more exercise. In fact, a recent article I read says that we should stand for five minutes out of every hour. This doesn't bring fitness, but it does make us healthier.

And of course, exercise stimulates endorphin, the feel-good brain chemical. Tho' I'm not sure if my mini-walk breaks accomplish this.

At any rate, I started walking up stairs more often. At first, I could barely make it up a two flights; now I can walk six flights in an office building (big flights, not like a home) if I have the right shoes.

I've also started taking little five-minute walk breaks. All the smokers go outside for their five-minute ciggie breaks, so I just walk down the stairs (all 6 flights from my office) and walk once around the building.

I've gone from about 2500 steps to routine 4,500-5000 and, as I up the walks around the building, 6000 on a great day.

Even if doesn't cure depression, it will give you something to break up the day and feel proud of doing.

I've lost two pounds, too.

((((DSB)))) I can totally relate in that being at the office while having a rough go of it is quite challenging. I echo the sentiments of the other members...but I also know exactly how hard it can be. Especially if you are dealing with lots of different personalities!

Some days I want to tell the more annoying ones to ... well you know ... but thankfully I am able to somewhat control myself.

If someone is really getting on my nerves, though, I take a break and leave the office for a bit to try to regroup. I try to remember my positive affirmations, sometimes I will text my T with a few words...she sends a supportive short reply. It helps me a lot because she knows the back story.

I also realized that when I am not being challenged, feeling unproductive, bored etc it is a recipe for disaster. The depression feels worse. But I remind myself that I do have some goals, and without this particular job, it is unlikely I would be able to do my intensive work with my T. so I can actually get to the goals. I have to address all of my "stuff" first or I will just bring all of my Dx's to the next job.

Bottom line is that I don't want to be stuck anymore so I would rather stay and push myself so I can ultimately feel better (a stepping stone).

That said I also know that pilates or yoga or simply taking a walk around the block too might help but when I am depressed these sorts of things are virtually impossible.
(on bad days I am lucky if I can just make it out of the house!)

My T though gives me homework and/or tasks based on how I am progressing and I am committed to hold up my end - and I trust she wont give me more than I can manage -this and that helps.

I hope this helps even a tiny bit get you through until the new job comes along

Hi everyone, thanks so much for your answers.

@misscath & @wants2fly - Frequent breaks do help. I've been trying to make a point of going for a walk around the block when I'm feeling overwhelmed. It helps but some days I have such a hard time forcing myself to get up and go outside. I'll try to make a commitment to walking outside more....and a pedometer might help "motivate" me a bit more

@Rose - I think my biggest problem is that a lot of the time I don't feel challenged or I feel underappreciated at work and I have a really hard time getting motivated to do anything. When I find my work interesting or challenging, it's much easier for me to get through the day. I'll try to make it a point to work hard at what I'm doing so I can move ahead into a better job somewhere else without bringing all of my issues along for the ride.

Ick, I'm totally dreading tomorrow morning. I'm not ready for work :/

work doesnt cause clinical depression. changing jobs wont help. youre stuck with you. thats what you need to fix.

Myself, I need to work.... as if I sat home all day doing nothing it would drive me INSANE.... I need to feel that I am a productive member of society.... But thats my own opinion....

((((Dont)))) I know what you mean! That is when I get REALLY depressed, too. If I am bored, or not feeling challenged ... or feeling underappreciated. Ugh.

((((Mommy)))) I can relate.But sometimes the work place can feel so overwhelming, depressing or worse NOT SAFE that being there is worse than being at home.

Thankfully, we are aware that we have options (which is half the battle) and getting out or away to pursue something more fulfilling is something to look forward to in an otherwise miserable situation.

Hugs,