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macoto

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depression and work
Posted: 05-23-08 09:32am

I was just wondering how people with depression handle work. Do you tell your boss or anyone you work with?

I've had depression for at least 16 years. Over the past 3 years I have had 5 different jobs. Today I just couldn't get out of bed. I can't force myself to go to the office and I'm pretty sure eventually I'm going to either quit again or get fired.

thanks
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harmony1

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Posted: 05-28-08 03:04am

That's a good question. I hope someone replies that may have the answer for you.
I'd be interested to here what they suggest. I don't know if I would personally tell them.
Do you take antidepressents for the depression?
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macoto

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Posted: 05-28-08 11:39am

Well I suffer from anxiety as well and that's been taking it's toll in the job. I don't know how much longer I can last. I am on antidepressents, and have off-and on for over a decade, but they don't seem to work.
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harmony1

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Posted: 05-28-08 19:32pm

Hi Mocoto,

Have you tried different anti depressents. Thare are so many out there that sometimes it takes time to find the right ones. There are anti depressents that should help with the anxiety too.
Have you seen a psychologist? i did and I found it a little helpful.
I would suggest finding a good doctor and together finding the medication that works for you. (if you haven't already tried )

Harmony1 xo
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StacyHoll

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Posted: 05-28-08 20:00pm

TALK TO A DOCTOR! Get on a good antidepressant before it gets out of hand.
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macoto

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Posted: 05-29-08 10:29am

I'm actually already seeing doctors every 2 weeks and have tried so many kinds of medications I can't even remember them all. The doctor says I it may take up to six weeks for the meds I'm taking now to take effect. But when every day it gets more and more difficult for me to force myself to get out of bed and go to work, six weeks seems like a really long time. And that's assuming that the meds have any effect at all.
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harmony1

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Posted: 05-29-08 18:49pm

What about a psychologist?
Maybe try telling the people you work with that you suffer from depression. I know I said I probably wouldn't but maybe it could be a good thing if they knew. They could be a little more understanding and supporting.
Or could it be that you don't really like your job?? There's nothing worse then working in a job you truely hate. I worked at a place for 5 yrs. Didin't love it but I didn't hate it so it was good. Then recently I worked at a job for 8 months and boy did I hate it so eventually I left. Never felt better. The place just wasn't me.. I'd advice finding a new job first lol Something i didn't do..
Otherwise just try and hang in there. stay positive and know that each day is closer to you feeling better. ( I know that must sound really hard to you right now but thats what you have to do for yourself)

Take it easy,

Harmony1 xo
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macoto

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Posted: 05-29-08 22:38pm

I'm seeing a psychologist and a psychiatrist about every two or three weeks, though my insurance only covers 12 visits a year and I've used about half of those up. We talk but I honestly don't get much out of it. It's just someone to talk to every once in a while (I don't have any friends/family here). I don't like my job, but I've never liked any job I've had. I thought this one was going to be different, but... it didn't really turn out that way. Part of it is my fault. I'm trying to stay on. The last job I had I only lasted six months. The job before that just four months. I can't just go around jumping between jobs or eventually no one will hire me.

I've been told things will get better most of my adult life. I've been doing this all my life and sometimes I just get tired and I feel like I don't want to go on anymore. Sometimes things are better but they're never really good.

I can't quit my job now. I need the insurance to fatten the the doctors who give me drugs that make me sick and "therapy" that doesn't do anything.

Sorry to whine and complain
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StacyHoll

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Posted: 05-30-08 19:49pm

DO you have any problems ith addictions? IE drinking Sorry to hear that you're having such a hard time- If they've tried so many anti depressents and nothing is working could it be something else that could be upsetting you.
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macoto

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Posted: 05-30-08 21:43pm

I don't know if I have any problems. I drink heavily on weekends. It helps to pass the time. I guess I don't think as much when I drink.

I'm not upset. There's not one thing I'm upset about. Unless you consider everything something.
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Muthoni

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Macoto
Posted: 06-05-08 11:13am

Have you tried to go on disability?

When I got manic depression, I was put on some form of assistance and that helped. Instead of working, I found a volunteer position that I liked. Years later, I am still volunteering.

Have you thought of that?

I hope you can overcome this and stop drinking so heavily on the weekends.

Always
Muthoni (Mson)
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yogahoneybunny

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Posted: 06-06-08 02:31am

Hi macoto. Sorry to hear that you're feeling so down. There are some great people here at eHealth who really care and want to help...

In my personal experience, I don't inform my employers that I experience depression. I feel like I've recovered now, but I used to call in sick. I also found a "sliding scale" mental clinic that I could afford through the United Way and the university I lived close to. Sessions were $17 each at the time (5 years ago) and I went once a week to individual session and once a week to group sessions. It really helped.

I think that you need PEOPLE. Have you thought about seeking out help from a 12 step group? If you're drinking to feel better this can help you. Just a suggestion...
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macoto

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Re: Macoto
Posted: 06-08-08 21:26pm

Muthoni wrote:
Have you tried to go on disability?

When I got manic depression, I was put on some form of assistance and that helped. Instead of working, I found a volunteer position that I liked. Years later, I am still volunteering.

Have you thought of that?

I hope you can overcome this and stop drinking so heavily on the weekends.

Always
Muthoni (Mson)


I stopped drinking but it doesn't help. I just did it to shut people up. I saw my doctor last week and she upped the dosage of the medication I've been taking. So far it hasn't made any difference either and I doubt that it ever will.

I don't want to be put on "assistance". I don't even know what that means.
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macoto

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Posted: 06-08-08 21:38pm

yogahoneybunny wrote:
Hi macoto. Sorry to hear that you're feeling so down. There are some great people here at eHealth who really care and want to help...

In my personal experience, I don't inform my employers that I experience depression. I feel like I've recovered now, but I used to call in sick. I also found a "sliding scale" mental clinic that I could afford through the United Way and the university I lived close to. Sessions were $17 each at the time (5 years ago) and I went once a week to individual session and once a week to group sessions. It really helped.

I think that you need PEOPLE. Have you thought about seeking out help from a 12 step group? If you're drinking to feel better this can help you. Just a suggestion...


I'm already going to a medical clinic. When I wasn't working I went to one that was paid for by the county and I didn't have to pay anything except $2 for the medication. That's not the issue.

I don't think I need a 12 step group. For one I'm not a drunk. I only drink sometimes on the weekends. Secondly, I've already stopped drinking because I got sick of everyone telling me to. And thirdly I'm not religious and so most of the 12 steps don't apply to me.

I didn't necessarily drink to feel better. I drank to pass the time. There's nothing else I feel like doing on the weekends but sleep.

I'm probably going to stay at my job for just a couple more months if I can stand it. Then I'm going to quit. I don't know what I'm going to do after that.
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Muthoni

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Macoto
Posted: 06-08-08 23:49pm

Going on assistance is the same as going on disability pension.

Always
Muthoni (Mson)
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Jules

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Posted: 06-11-08 05:47am

Hey macoto, I totally umderstand what you're saying because I'm much the same way. I have suffered with depression for the last three years and, even though I'm better now than I was, I still get days where everything seems pointless. I have done all sorts of different jobs because I keep thinking that the next one I do will be the one to make me happy. The reality is that very few people are lucky enough to truly enjoy their jobs, I guess I'm going to have to just accept that.

I know what you mean about not being able to get up to go to work. To someone who has not suffered depression it sounds like laziness but it truly isn't - it's like even putting clothes on is an effort of gargantuan proportions. It's like every bloody day is just the same as the previous one and what's the point anyway because it's so boring. I used to dread going to bed at night because I'd have to wake up and do another day.

Anyway, I am a lot better now. After trying several different tablets I was put on Effexor and after 7 months I cam off them. I haven't lapsed so badly since though I am aware that I have a tendency towards depression.

Your weekend drinking was a natural reaction to your depression - personally I binge eat. Everyone has something that is their coping mechanism. It's good that you've managed to cut down or stop though because even though you are not an alcoholic now, depression can be a slippery slope.

Are there any charities you feel passionate about? Do you love animals for example? Perhaps you could get a pet; animals are usually nicer than humans and can be a great source of comfort for a depressed and lonely person. Maybe you could volunteer at a rescue sanctuary or something - just a couple of hours a week. It helps to feel you are making a difference in the world.

Anyway, these are just a few suggestions. Please do not give up hope that things will get better. You're not alone.
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