[jjgbirder]

Is it possible to have a Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression, and still be a functioning employee?

I have been in some state of anxiety or depression for the past month. Some days/weeks are better, some worse. Part of my anxiety is a fear for my future. I know people with depression and anxiety who have a hard time keeping a long-term, stable job, and thus not being able to support or take care of themselves because of financial issues. I have this fear that "it's not possible to suffer from mental illness and be a successful employee."

Currently, I am an intern and love my job and am doing well at it, but it's temporary. I am also going back to school for a career change as my field (natural resource management) is no longer a good fit given my health issues.

I struggle with anxiety and depression and am doing quite well at my job. It is only part-time (24 hours a week) and it's stocking items at a large store called Canadian Tire. I'm also on disability.

Recently I was given a performance review and received only good feedback. It took a while to find a job that suited me (I learned that the food industry and I weren't a good match), but it was worth the wait. I don't plan to stay at this job forever because I also plan on going back to school in the future, but this is a good job for me in the meantime.

[reb569]

I have CPTSD, GAD, and suffer from situational Depression on occasion. I do quite well at work. I've been with my company 12 years now, work full time. I do think that my anxiety has impacted my career progression, but I'm still doing pretty good. High stress job and a horrible boss, but great co-workers.

[treevoice]

I have always suffered from moderate to severe anxiety/depression and somehow have managed to do well in all the jobs I've held over the years, even those that are high stress and require interacting with people. If anything, it has been good practice for me, even though it's challenging. Granted, I have had to leave some jobs due to the anxiety they've caused, but I could always power through well enough to line up another job before fleeing the situation. It helps me feel grounded and secure to know that I can do that for myself, even when it's scary. Everyone has different ways of coping with their illnesses; if you haven't had problems working with them so far, I would not exacerbate your anxiety by dwelling on it. Just try to take things one day at a time and see how it goes. You can always change course when it makes sense to do so.