New job and major depression - Mental Health Sup...

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New job and major depression

mockinrine profile image
5 Replies

Hello, there. I'm new, having just decided to give this website a shot, in hopes it could ease something.

I've been working for nearly two years now, starting out part-time as a copywriter. And, at first, it was great. I got to work from home, which was nice. But then they started giving me a lot of freedom, too much freedom, and allowed me to work whatever hours I wanted. This led to a downward spiral of procrastination, where I would work late at night or, sometimes, a few hours before starting the official schedule. I have no idea when everything was screwed to hell, but my motivation just withered and I kept getting in trouble again, and again, and again because I just didn't have the determination to do to my work.

This got particularly bad a couple of months ago, after everything was fine again for a while. I passed a deadline again and this triggered a mental breakdown which led to a vicious cycle. I was stressed and because I was stressed, I couldn't work. And because I couldn't work, I was stressed. I knew I was screwed, so I started looking for new jobs. I ended the collaboration last month, having managed to secure a new job as an editor at a prestigious company. I was over the moon, especially since I was looking for a change. Working at home left me isolated for 2 whole years, barely interacting with people and this did nothing but feed into my existing social anxiety. I knew I needed a job where I could get out of bed, be thrown into a routine, and interact with people.

So, the first week at the new job was absolutely excellent. I was the happiest I've been in a while. People were nice, the work was nice, I liked the environment, it's well-paid. But there is one major downside that's stressing me: there is a night shift.

The night shift is from 4 PM to 12 AM, which, incidentally, is the time period I used to do all of my hobbies during. It's when I write, I play games, watch movies, and, most of all, it's when I spend time with my loved ones, watching TV shows. And, all of sudden, I see it stripped away.

During my first night shift, I had a panic attack. I looked at the clock and it hit me that I could be at home right now, doing the things I love, but I couldn't anymore. I found myself without my anchors. It's easy to get through 8 hours of work when you know you can just leave the office and go home and get cozy with your family and enjoy your time off. But, suddenly, I was left without this. Everyone is asleep when I'm finished and I'm too tired to do anything except go immediately to bed. Worst of all, until I start the shift, I get plenty of time alone, doing nothing but anticipate it, wallowing in my self-misery, thinking how much it sucks.

And this triggered what I can only assume is a major depressive episode. There are TOO many changes. Going from part-time to full-time made me feel I don't have time for myself left. New jobs are, generally speaking, stressful, anyway. New things to learn and all that. The social aspect, which has been missing for 2 years, is also tiring, especially since I have anxiety. And all of these things are bad by themselves, but the cherry on top is this damn night shift, which has me this close to calling quits and bawling up, crying myself to sleep. I don't have my anchor anymore and I feel like I'm drowning. It's particularly bad because I've worked five consecutive night shifts this week (albeit, they've been at home, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm still working), during a time of highly vulnerable mental states, and I feel like I'm going crazy.

What I'm saying, in this long ass post, is basically that I'm struggling terribly and I don't want to make any rash choices. I try to convince myself that this is just sad context paired with the normal difficult times associated with a new job. I mean, I did have a mental breakdown prior to this. And then I had to jump right into this new job. I don't even think straight sometimes. I mean, I've worked during evenings before. Quite regularly too. Admittedly, it was because I procrastinated and had no choice. So, it's not like I've had every single night off and did my movie night thing with my mom every single day. But my anxiety and depression are strong enough to make me see everything in suck a dark shade. This place is a good job and I don't want an impulsive decision to ruin things for me. But also, what if it's not all in my head? What if it won't pass? What if I'll be frequently miserable for the next few months? Right now, all I want is a 9 AM-5 PM, Monday-Friday schedule like everyone else, but would swapping this job that involves something I love for something worse-paid and not-so-pleasant be even worth it? And for what, eight-ish more days a month where I can get evenings off?

After today, I'm done for the month since the company gave us all days off until the 2nd of January. And after this, I'm thinking (since our schedules are flexible and made according to our wishes) of requesting for the night shifts to be spread more evenly throughout the month. Like, 2 days a week as opposed to, say, 6 consecutive days shoved in one week. I'm hoping this holiday thing will soothe my worries and that my boss, who's been very kind and helpful so far, will understand and grant this schedule request. I'm thinking that not having to go so long without my evening routines might be of slight help.

Anyway, this got awfully long, but I had nowhere else to rant and I thank anyone who took the time to read this. Right now, I'm just very worried things will not get better. I shouldn't even be working right now, but I have a rent to pay, I can't afford that.

Cheers.

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mockinrine profile image
mockinrine
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5 Replies
MAS_Nurse profile image
MAS_Nurse

Hello Mockinrine, Welcome to this supportive community! Wow! That was a long post...just shows that you are writer at heart! I'm sure folks here will come alongside and offer you advice. We don't mind listening, feel free to vent anytime. Don't make any rash decisions about your new job. You have taken a brave new step, and there's a honey-moon period, and it takes time to adjust to new routines etc. Keep mindful of why you wanted this job in the first place. If you haven't already, then a chat with your doctor about how you are feeling may help, as it sounds like you need more professional medical/psychological input at the moment. Take a look at our Free guides on mental health and keep our Crisis support helpline information in the pinned posts section handy.

Ok folks, it's over to you, what do you think?

Take care,

Best wishes

mockinrine profile image
mockinrine in reply toMAS_Nurse

Thank you so much for the response.

I'll consider seeing a doctor about it once I get over my fear of having my free time stolen. 'Cause it sorta scares me that I'd have to give up even more for therapy sessions.

I really appreciate the answer and support. :)

aglwil profile image
aglwil

Hello love, you need to give yourself time to get used to the change

I can imagine that it has been quite a shock to the system? when i went from part time to full time i also felt like i had no time for myself i didn't see anyone my route was out the window... but once i settled i now find that the additional wage from working more hours releve some of the other stress i had about my finances. It did take me a few weeks to get used to it.

But i think your doing the right thing in requesting that your night shift be spaced out.

hugs

mockinrine profile image
mockinrine in reply toaglwil

Hello,

Thank you so much for the reply. It helps knowing that I'm not alone and, yes, I do blame it on the big shock of transition. Too many new things at once. And the extra money could definitely help setting some other worries at ease too.

Best of regards!

CJ2016 profile image
CJ2016

Hey welcome to the forum,i know what it's like going from part time to full time as i just done it recently, but difference is i quit after 3 days because i found the job rubbish boring and just kept me up at night because it kept running through my head that there is no way in hell that i could do this over and over and over and over for the rest of my life.

As stated by other's if you got a good job going stick at it,granted they say during the first month it feels pant's and yeah i quit after 3 days but ill never be happy in any job for long periods of time i get bored to easily.

I think night shift's wouldn't help in that the lack of sleep can worsen mental state,especially if the shifts are one after the other it's bound to break you down physically and mentally.

Just like you i went from part time to a full time job thinking i was ready but the reality for me was that i was not,not having the freedom that i some what had during the part time job was gone just like you.

Also i went from retail to working in a factory that produces nickel and other metal powders that caused cancer in the end i thought sod this and just left,but it sounds like your in a good job so give it a month give it time,if your still not happy in that job then for me i would say start looking for something more giving in regards to work around.

But in the end it's only a choice that you can make.

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