Depression and work

[hflo24]

I just graduated college and have a part time job. Im thinking about looking for a full time job, but I’m very hesitant. I’ve had depression since I was a teenager, and I’ve missed work because of it. I want to have more of a routine with a full time job and a reason to get out of bed in the morning; however, I’m just not sure if I’ll be able to do it. I’m feeling scared about looking for another job, but I don’t want that to stop me from trying. There are days when I don’t get out of bed, but I can’t call in for a “mental health day” (although I wish this was a thing).

Anyone on this site work full time with depression/anxiety? It would be nice to know that I’m not the only one who struggles with this. My family has had a really hard time understanding mental illness, so it doesn’t feel like I can talk about my fears without someone saying that I’m just being lazy. I went to a therapist for about 3 years but stopped going when I was finally starting to feel better. Now, I’m not sure if this question of going to work full time is important enough to go back to therapy.

[Hidden]

Have you considered trying to find a agency that offers a supportive work program? You should start with your states mental health and human services department.

[hflo24 in reply to Hidden]

I’ll look into that, I didn’t know that existed.

[Beachytoes2u]

I just checked before turning everything off for the night, I'm in USA, is 930-10pm. Absolutely, HAD TO respond to you. Yes, yes, yes to everything your questioning yourself on. You just graduated (u didn't say what) but regardless your done with a chapter in your like, yepee, celebrate. Start a new one, don't future trip on yourself with roadblocks "problems in the past" ok you had them, acknowledged your depression, u sought help, bravo for reaching out to understand it. Many people never get to that point, or recognize they need help. Use the skills you have, apply them, if you need them, Maybe you won't, get excited about what u want to seek employment doing? Family, rarely understands any issues that don't fit the "normal" I'll tell you from experience...i tried seeking their help in many areas, got nowhere, in fact in big picture it got worse, I was judged. I should have gone straight to services/Dr for guidance. New people at the new job don't need to know your background, issues, and you don't have to share. They're new people, you're the new hire, keep your personal like, that way. Oops I sound very mom like, I apologize this is a great new beginning for you in life, I wanted to give you encouragement and keep your personal mental health, positive, no back sliding, when at a place of moving forward, if I said too much I apologize, it was done, only in encouragement...keep me posted on the job hunt☕

[hflo24 in reply to Beachytoes2u]

Thank you for the advice! I haven’t really celebrated graduating with an English degree since I’ve been busy worrying about the next phase of my life. It’s hard to move past that difficult part of my life, and I’m afraid I can’t. Yes, I learned that family isn’t always helpful the hard way too, especially here in the southern US. I’ve had people try to pray the demons out of me or say I’m going to hell because I told them I had depression. But religion is a whole new subject when it comes to mental health. It sounds wonderful to move on with my life and start something new. I appreciate the positive encouragement!

[Beachytoes2u in reply to hflo24]

An English major😲wow@ it's no doubt nerve wracking after living a life thru school & schedule, what now? Right? Maybe a life coach could help you focus yourself with your hard earned education for the best fit. Taking into consideration your mental health. In regards to family/people responding to you or me in ways that are judgemental. I myself, say they act that way because they don't understand, ignorant lack compassion and understanding, just the idea of saying "you'll be going to hell" logically thinking, who truly can judge who is going to hell? Can u pray a demon anywhere....i know this was done no doubt, seriously and as you said "religion is another subject" but it's loving and good. Just like we should be to each other, understanding, living, and kind. Find a peaceful place, to be calm, listen to some nature, or cook if you like that. Be proud of yourself for what you did, many people don't ever finish school let alone dealing with depression with it. If you can find out, what really started your sadness?

Write notes to your sadness, keep it in a box....once a month burn the box up, with happiness😎try alternative ideas, it's ok, your ok, your gunna be great, make a sign for your mirror, so u see that, buy yourself something really cool, special. So, in 20 years you'll have it to remember graduating as a English major😋I hope this makes or helps you in some positive way, today!🐝

[Gina_B]

I wonder if you could look for a job where you telework from home a couple of days a week or more. I think it's good to get outside at least sometimes and be around people but I understand days when you're just not up to it. I commend you for pushing through the tough times and living life. Be kind to yourself and whatever you do don't listen to harsh, judgmental people. Hugs