How can a depressed person go back to work?

Question

I'm currently not working. I've been out of work for a year now. I need to go back to work but my depression has gotten worst, where do I start? I will be seeking thearpy next week as a start!
I suffer from panic attack, any job positions your recommend?

Answer 1

First off....make sure that your therapy is going to work out. It takes at least a month (assuming you see him or her once a week) to find out if you and your therapist are going to get along and be able to work matters out.

Then. I would *also* highly recommend seeing a doctor and getting stabilized on some kind of anti-depressant medication that *works* for you. I know, this isn't the popular thing to say, ok? But really, if you "need to work" you are going to have to, *Have To* be sure you can hold it together and actually work and *be there* every day. You mention panic attacks too, so really, if you are this early in your therapy after a year off....you will need something to at *least* keep you calm and level headed between counseling appointments.

Once you are stable on *both* medication and in counseling...and I'd give that a minimum of three, four months, then you look into working again. Look into something *easy*, that doesn't involve your being around lots of people. Clerical work in an office, behind the scenes, is good if you can find it on a *steady* basis (get hired that is, not as a temp), and if you want something more physical, stockroom work can be okay. Also, if you are more of a night person, and can adapt, you might want to look into jobs that have you work overnight. They will generally pay better, be a bit slower paced, and you will *usually* not have to worry about dealing with people so much if the place where you work is closed for the day's business or some such.

You *may* have to take part-time work, just to get hired on a steady, easier job. If that is your choice, take it.....it's better to work part-time, at this point, at an easier job you *can do* than it is to be stuck with something too challenging given your medical problems. Also keep this in mind: while the law *should* protect you in terms of your depression, don't *count* on it. In the United States at least, employers are *notorious* in my experience with *asking* medical questions they have no right to ask, and with *not* respecting the Reasonable Accomodation parts of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

Meaning? Unless you are looking for a job in health care, security, or something where the medical stuff is *critical*, don't tell anyone *jack squat* during the job interview or hiring process about your medical problems. They have no right to ask, and no right to discriminate either, but you have to *go in* assuming they will.

The only people who have any business knowing, are the people doing *drug testing* for your job. And they need to know what medications you are on before the test as some anti-depressants and *many* anti-anxiety meds will trigger false positives.

Also, you really *really* should talk with whoever is paying for your medications and counseling.....be it Public Aid or insurance. *Make sure* your payments will continue regardless of what happens with the job. I say this because a LOT of HMO or PPO healthcare types of "plans" just absolutely refuse to pay one red cent of mental health or psychiatric health costs. This was how I lost my last job, in part, because my medication costs *jumped* from a $3 co-payment per perscription to *full cost*--more than my *Rent*--in the space of my 6th month on the job.

So yeah, talk with your people and *make sure* you stay on medication and in therapy *regardless* of what the job does. Assume that your employer *Will Not* help out one damned bit....odds are they won't.

And I am sorry to be such a pessimist. ^_^ I really do wish you the best of luck--way better luck than what I had--on your therapy and job search.

Thanks for your time! ^_^

Answer 2

Depression

Studies show that depression worsens when an individual doesn't have as much to do.

It shows that when you are active and doing things that your depression will decrease.

This said you should also try walking and excersise. It will reduce your depression a great deal.

Anxiety is caused by also not having enough to do and worrying. These sypmtoms decrease by finding things to do.

Eating a healthy diet is also a key in getting your depression on track. It is also good for weight loss which helps with depression.

I've suffered from depression for 11 years. I am now in the lower half of the depression and no longer on medications.

Medications cover up the problem instead of giving you a solution.

Please find some way to wean yourself off of the medication as they are a temporary fix to the problem and your body will eventually get used to them.

This is why doctors swap medications so often for people with mental illness. These medications cause more problems than they solve.

I hope and pray for you to get the correct medical advice.

Good Luck!
Nicole

PS
I also worked with Mental Illness for 10 years and I know it sounds easier than it actually is.

Answer 3

Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain and is treatable with medication. You can apply for Social Security Disability if you have major depression and cannot work. You will need a written statement from your doctor. I get SSDI for depression - over $1400 a month because I couldn't work either.

The medication for panic attacks is different from the medication for depression, as your therapist will explain to you. I take Ativan 2 mg for anxiety (panic attacks) and Wellbutrin 300 mg & Zoloft 200 mg for depression.

It's good that you are going for therapy. You have to do something to help yourself - you can't go it alone with this illness. You can forget about the fish oil pills. Good luck!

Answer 4

Yes all of these things can be debilitating.

But going back to work may help you get your mind off your condition.

You are a normal person with a condition.

When you know you are depressed or anxious you tend to focus on your symptoms.

You begin to identify yourself as the symptoms and see them as stopping you leading a normal life.

You can learn to function well no matter what condition you have.

It takes more effort but with the right focus, and challenging yourself, you can do it.

Believe it or not you have all the resources to conquer your fears.

Do it one day at a time.

http://themeaningisyou.com

Answer 5

Something very physical. Have you fixed your diet yet? Are you taking fish oil pills? Are you working out most days? I recommend yoga. Email me if you want more suggestions. Everyone is different but maybe something I know will alleviate the problem at least a little bit.

Answer 6

One day at a time and with lots of gumption. You have to realize that depression is a disease and that it is a treatable disease. On bad days, I just have to convince myself to think and not feel.

Answer 7

2 thumbs up for Bradley. He left no points unnoticed.

Answer 8

it is very tough but just bare with it, and hopefully something comes good out of working