Depression + anxiety + new job

Hi everyone

I've been suffering from depression for over a year now but up until a few months ago it was quite manageable. I spent two months over the summer doing an internship which involved a long commute, long days and was quite tiring but I managed. I did end up having a few migraines however which required a few days off each time unfortunately. I think my migraines are down to a combination of stress and poor sleeping.

About two months ago I hit my absolute lowest point and have never felt that depressed in my life. The doctor gave me 50mg of sertraline once daily which I took for 3 weeks but had to stop as they made me feel so much worse. I couldn't get out of bed at all. I then went to a psychiatrist who prescribed me citalopram instead which I have now been taking for a week with no obvious side effects so far. I definitely don't feel right at the moment but better than I was a few weeks ago. A main issue I have had consistently is trouble sleeping which has only gotten worse as the depression has but the past few days it seems to have improved slightly.

A friend has just told me about a job opportunity which pays very well and is only for one month. It's an admin role and something I feel I would be able to do. However I am really worried about starting full time work plus a long commute. I know it would be good for me to go out and work as it is a good distraction and much better than being home all day but I am worried that I won't be able to do it.

My sleeping, although better the past few days, is bad in general. No matter how tired I am I always have trouble falling and staying asleep and if I have an early morning then it's likely I haven't slept enough. I am very worried that after a few days of this I will develop a migraine or that my mood will just fall and I'll be unable to continue. I really feel like this is a good opportunity but I'm very concerned that I'll end up disappointing the employers - especially as it's only a one month contract. In a way the duration is appealing as it gives me an end point to focus on if I am struggling.

I don't know what to do. I know I'll be disappointed at myself if I turn the job down which will likely make my moods worsen but I'm worried about saying yes. Does anyone have any advice or been in a similar situation?

Thank you.

[Photogeek]

Hi there and I'm sorry your going through a tough time. Most Antidepressants take

At least 2 weeks to kick in and sleeplessness is one of the symptoms of Depression.

I know only you know the answer to your question but I'm not sure that the stress of starting a job that's really only for a month is worth it. Your first aim should be to give

Yourself a chance to get totally well again, so my advice is why put yourself in a stressful

Situation, to me I would feel that a job that's only for a month would not be worth putting

Myself under pressure.

Starting any job is stressful, even if it's a job you love, of course it depends too

When this job is starting, because if you go to it in a Depressed stressed state and

Fail, then that's heaping another stress at a fragile time.

Good luck with whatever decision you make.

Hannah

[lin62-65ze]

I am sorry to hear you are feeling depressed. This does wear you out and cause you to not sleep well.

Regarding the job you seem to want to do so badly. I agree with Photogeek that your health comes first. Obviously you need to consider if you feel capable of taking this on, you say it is for one month only but what sort of pressure will you be under?

If you truly feel you could do it and it would make you feel normal then try, but it could trigger panic attacks if you start to feel under pressure plus you say it's a Long commute all of which seems to concern you.

When I was young like you I put myself under pressure with jobs requiring concentration and decision making, I managed to bluff my way through. At times the pressure was intense and I then went home to cook, see to my children etc, looking back now I do not know how I managed but it helped me getting out of the house and being with other people.

I do hope you manage to make the right decision and I hope you feel better soon.

Love Helen

[jennifer1983]

I am sorry to hear you are having a hard time with depression. I have been dealing with depressed my entire life, and because of that I have such a compassion for those who suffer with it as well. You seem to worry a lot, and that my friend can and will make your depression so much worse. You want to take the job but yet you are worrying about it. Your anxiety is having you say ' But what if " and that is a sign of real anxiety and I believe that is the cause of your sleep issues and migraines. If you think you can tell yourself that you will be fine and you can push though the anxiety than yes, go for the job, it will make you feel better if you do. In mean time find a GOOD psychiatrist that will work with you to get on the right medication, and I believe you WILL feel a lot better. You need the correct medication and when you are dealing with your mind seek out a good psychiatrist, and you will feel better.. Sometimes it just takes a bit of time. Not to worry, remember depression does not get better in a straight line. Take the job and keep saying to yourself it will get better. Do not give in to the " The what if " Tell yourself it will be OK, you would be surprised what a positive thought can do… For your long commute listen to a good audio book, or listen to something positive, and calming. Do not let any negative thoughts in.. I know if you get on the right medication you will be fine. Hang in there !! I will keep you in my prayers.