Fight the frown of workplace depression

One in three UK workers are struggling to cope in their job as a result of stress or depression. We all have bad days, but for those who feel like their mind is a bottomless pit of negativity, a workday can be absolute hell.

1. Set daily goals

When suffering from depression, looking too far in the future can worry you even further. Setting small, achievable goals for each day will give you back your sense of ambition in the work place. This works for normal day-to-day tasks too.

2. Don’t forget to breathe

Stress and workplace depression often go hand-in-hand. One of the best ways to tackle both issues is to practice mindfulness regularly.

It’s simple, takes 10 minutes out of your day and can massively improve your mood and state of mind. Finding a quiet spot in the office on your break or lunch to be aware of yourself can really help cleanse you of dark thoughts.

3. Exercise

Exercise will be the last thing on your mind, but is one of the best ways to feel better in yourself. As well as boosting dopamine levels, a little jog or bike ride can increase self-esteem and motivate you to do more.

4. Work-life balance

You’d probably rather get tucked up in bed and sleep the away the rest of the day, but trust me, this will only make you feel worse. Force yourself out of the house, if only to get some fresh air. Whilst you might not feel like you’re much good to anyone, people are good for you.

5. What makes you happy?

You may not want to wake up each morning, especially as the workday stretches out in front of you. Your first thoughts will be dark and that’s fine, embrace those and try not to loathe yourself for it.

Always move on from them by reminding yourself of those few things that make you really joyful. Write them down and stick them onto your alarm clock if it helps. 

6. Don’t cut off those who try to help

Easier said than done, but this is crucial. People around you will be trying their very best to make you smile, especially colleagues who see you everyday. All they want to do is help, it’s just unfortunate that their efforts go unrewarded, but they are not to blame for your condition and neither are you.

It’s natural to want to push friends away, because you don’t feel worthy of their help, but this will only increase the feelings of isolation and loneliness. Colleague support is vital to getting through this dark phase.

Research has proven that 71% of those who confide in a colleague actually feel better about their condition. Whilst they don’t have the answer, just being able to express how you feel is a step in the right direction.