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How to get things done professionaly at work when I'm very depressed?

173 Answers
Last Updated: 03/31/2022 at 3:00pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United Kingdom
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Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
February 8th, 2018 12:17pm
Well, I guess if it motivated you, you could try to make yourself more productive by choosing an item you want to purchase (i.e. a new television) and just press on through the work because that's the only way to get that tv. I know fear isn't necessarily a happy motivator, but if you think about being fired that would also possibly work.
PipeOrgan
February 17th, 2018 3:28am
You are a thoughtful person. Sometimes focusing on something different can be of help. If it's not your work which is depressing, concentrating on that work could be helpful. It could give your mind a break from things which making you feel down.
Anonymous
February 18th, 2018 6:50pm
Maybe asking for help with finishing important work or maybe listening to music whilst working that helps people
chlowii
March 1st, 2018 7:48pm
Usually distractions come to me as the best possible option as soon as you get going your mind is concentrated fully you feel proud and then are able to go ahead.
Anonymous
March 4th, 2018 1:00am
To get things done professionally at work even when you are depressed is by meeting work expectations like getting work that needs to be done on time as well as once finished with your work you can lend your time to help others and as the day comes to an end, when you get home you can talk with a family member about your depression and help support you through this tough time.
affablelassisme
March 7th, 2018 2:57pm
You are a human being. Get a cup of coffee, think about what is good in this life and what makes you going everyday.
Anonymous
March 28th, 2018 3:05am
Bear responsibility that one adopts when accepting the job. You were deemed equipped with the skills and knowledge to necessary to do well at work, so don't let others don't and most importantly, don't let yourself down.
miraculousHeart73
March 29th, 2018 5:50pm
Remind yourself of what you're thankful for. Keep your mind occupied on your work, and remind yourself why you have this job. Motivate yourself
healingCloud74
March 30th, 2018 1:17am
Depression can feel like a cloud over our head, and it can be tough. Especially when it is sunny outside, and everyone else is enjoying the sunlight. It may seem like you are the only one under dark skies, but you are not alone! Many of us keep pushing through, just like you! I would suggest adding small rewards to your everyday life. If you get through today, then you get (insert reward). You can decide based on how hard that day is, how big your reward for getting through it will be! So, if you are having a really tough day, that just means you will get a really great reward if you get through it! Sometimes the reward might not help anyway, and that is okay. Reward yourself for trying. You deserve it!
Anonymous
April 4th, 2018 8:43pm
if you super or your not good at handling depression then i recommend visiting a doctor and getting help 1st
Vegaoflyre
April 14th, 2018 4:13pm
Try to put what youre dealing with aside, i know its hard but remember that youve got to make a living and your health is also important so try grounding techniques like breathing in and out, and taking breaks when something gets too stressful and your depression comes back.
courageousIris14
April 18th, 2018 3:23pm
Relax and focus on your job tasks... Focusing on other things keeps your mind off of your problems... Interacting with co-workers is another way to focus on other things rather then dwelling on your problems...
iammarieyournewfriend
April 25th, 2018 11:18am
Think of happy thoughts and happy memories. These is just another phase that you will pass and forget. My happy thoughts? Pong and Jingay - two people who make my life worth living no matter how hard life gets. They are the strongest happy thought and happy memory I have.
Anonymous
April 25th, 2018 10:08pm
In my humble opinion, it is not possible to do so. If possible, take a time off. You don't want your depression to affects your work competence.
Anonymous
April 26th, 2018 8:47pm
Tell your self It gets better. Take a break foot what you are doing Look at funny vids or memes. Or take a break and do what you love
Anonymous
May 12th, 2018 4:29am
Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones is useful. It helps to keep you from feeling overwhelmed or discouraged about your workflow. Getting something accomplished, even something small, can help you get through the day.
BronyDice
June 1st, 2018 5:25pm
Doing your work in 20/10's (20 minutes of work with a 10 minute break) might make it easier to manage. Most people can do something for 20 minutes, knowing that there is a break coming where you can get the emotional/mental rest that you need.
QuietLittleKaiju
June 15th, 2018 6:48pm
Focus. Be present in your job. Ignore the drama around you, and do your best at the task in front of you. Fake a smile. Sometimes it actually makes you feel better.
AverageJoe1989
June 21st, 2018 1:38am
Keep making lists of things to do and organizing the best you can. If you have a list of tasks don't let it overwhelm you, just try and set some kind of pace you would be capable of handling so you can hit your target times or dates for said tasks. Take it one day at a time. Work stress can get to the best of us.
Kris4722
June 24th, 2018 4:58pm
Try to focus on the good you can do at work, staying positive could help influence your mood outside of work. Doing well at work could boost your self confidence and feeling of accomplishment.
kearnonocturn
June 26th, 2018 7:30pm
I think setting a small goal or even reward after you accomplish what you need to do can help. Let's say- you treat yourself your favourite snach because you did it you finished without major problems. I think also trying calming methods such as breathing techniques can make you more stable if done enough times. It all depends on a person. I know it can be very difficult but try setting yourself till a certain moment till a break; in that time you can call a friend/loved one/ someone that makes you feel more at ease or even come here on 7cups. Best of wishes.
Anonymous
June 27th, 2018 4:38am
Mindfulness can be helpful. Do a Typical Meditation: sit upright in a straight-backed chair, close your eyes, use your mind to watch your breath as it flows in and out. Observe your sensations without judgment. After a while your mind will wander. Gently bring your attention back to your breath. The act of realizing that your mind has wandered - and bringing your attention back - is the key thing. Your mind will eventually become calm. Just be patient and maybe it will helps you :)
Faithhhhhhh
June 28th, 2018 9:48pm
Balance is essential. Know your purpose. If you ll mess up things could get more messy but remember everything has a solution. Keep yourself motivated . Engage yourself in something which you love to do. God bless!
Anonymous
July 1st, 2018 10:24am
Keep your head up and resist the feelings no matter how hard it is, let positive thoughts flow too
Anonymous
July 14th, 2018 2:27pm
Try to spend more time on yourself at home and write down why you feel that way, when you get to work have a glass of water and a snack near by. Take regular breaks to help you re evaluate and refocus yourself on the work
Anonymous
July 15th, 2018 9:10am
What you may have to do is take a break from work and unravel yourself, you're like a ball of yarn that's all tangled, but you need to take some time for your self to make that ball of yarn neat again. You can't be professional with all these feelings/emptiness throwing itself at you.
Anonymous
July 15th, 2018 7:45pm
Quite hard. This is must have a good emotion management. But want or not, you have to leave that depressed at home or on the way to work. When I get depressed, i take one time just a bit to let it out for a while. Like if I carry 1000kg of feeling and 999 of it is depressed, at least when i take a short me time, i can let go 150kg of it. So there is a lil space for professionality at work. Get it? No? It’s fine.
Anonymous
July 19th, 2018 6:10pm
Take an extra break, make sure you're productive while at work and try to get all the worst out of your system while you're not at work.
Anonymous
August 25th, 2018 6:39pm
Once you get to work, 5 steps before door, tell yourself "you are awesome and powerful" and you don't have to bring your baggage in. Laugh....go fast, list everything...plan....make that conference call. do it. When we are sad, we can make up brilliant plans and come up with good ideas too. Preeetend to be happy. Actors do it all the time. Just think "im being paid to act/pretend" Let nooo-one accuse you of being a fake. Say, "Im paid to do it". Leave the office and all drear comes back? Sure. Decide then whether you want to put them on, or...give yourself a holiday. If you can pretend for 8 hours...you can pretend for 2 more...4 more. It is alright to look at Depression and say ..."I dont feel like giving you ANY attention today."
LightDandelion
September 7th, 2018 2:54pm
Take a short break. Write in your journal. Expect a miracle. Tell yourself "This Too Shall Pass" . Be like a willow, do not hide the feeling from yourself. Know that you are a precious soul and not just a body and that everything that happens to you happens for a reason. If you can, call a friend. If there is someone at your work that you feel comfortable with, share your feeling with them. Go to the bath room and when no one is watching look at the mirror and say to yourself "I Love YOU I Love You" . Smile, Do yoga. But again, most importantly, be patient and know that it will pass