- More than half of U.S. workers experience depression and burnout due to job stressors.
- A lack of purpose and meaning, insufficient support, and an unbalanced work-life situation are key contributors.
- Unrealistic career expectations and inaction on dissatisfaction can also lead to depression in careers.
- Therapeutic intervention, a strong social support system, and prioritization of mental health are remedies.
- Balancing work-life commitments, seeking help, and self-care are essential for overcoming career depression.
At some point in our careers, most of us have felt bored, unfulfilled, or even depressed. Whether it’s a job you’ve been doing for years or a new one that’s not meeting your expectations, feeling unhappy at work can be a challenging experience. Here’s a look into depressed and burned-out workers, reasons why it’s happening to you, and ways you can take action.
Stress and Burnout in The Country
It’s estimated thatmore than half of workers in the U.S. are currently experiencing moderate forms of depression and burnout. This can come from excessive workload, lack of control at work, and difficulty with work-life balance. According to the American Psychological Association, burnout is “emotional exhaustion, cynicism or depersonalization in the workplace.”
Reasons Behind Your Depression in Your Career
There are various reasons why you’re feeling this way. Here are some of those reasons:
1. Lack of Purpose and Meaning
One of the most prominent reasons people become depressed in their careers is a lack of a sense of purpose or meaning. Many people who feel this way may struggle with being stuck in their careers. It’s hard to get motivated when you think your work doesn’t matter or you’re not making a difference. The best way to overcome this is to find a job that aligns with your values and passions. Start by reflecting on what’s important to you and your interests. This will help you identify the opportunities where your skills can make a significant impact.
2. Not Enough Support
In many cases, people feel depressed in their careers due to alack of support or toxic work environments. Recognize that you’re only human, and everyone thrives with a supportive team behind them. Your work environment should be safe, respected, and valued. People should feel empowered as individuals and teams and have open communication. If you’re not getting this support, it’s vital to seek out help and start thinking about changing your situation and taking action toward a better tomorrow.
3. Overworked and Unbalanced Life
Another critical issue that can lead to depression in one’s career is an unbalanced work-life situation.If you’re spending all your time at work and have no time for self-care, friends, or family, it tends to lead to burnout. Many individuals strive for success, which comes as they work longer hours or take on more responsibilities. This is unsustainable and leads to decreased job satisfaction and work quality. It’s essential to prioritize your time and find ways to integrate self-care into your life, setting boundaries, respecting them, and striking a work-life balance.
4. Skewed Career Expectations
In today’s social media-dominated world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of expecting instant career success and fulfillment.People tend to get caught up with social media distractions, and they’re portraying a perfect experience. In reality, careers are about progress, growth, and progress. It’s important to give yourself time, take small steps, and find joy in everything you do. Nothing worth having is going to come quickly or easily. Every career is a journey, so explore, take risks, learn, and celebrate all your wins, no matter how small.
5. Failing to Take Action
Finally, perhaps one of the most challenging reasons individuals get depressed about their careers is failing to take action. As they say, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results. If your current situation is making you genuinely depressed, start taking action. It’s time to get proactive, take inventory of your interests, skills, and needs, set career goals, and take steps to achieve them. Believe in yourself, go out, and make informed decisions that enable you to create the life and career you want.
Ways to Overcome Career Depression
If you’re feeling down about your career, there are steps you can take to overcome it. Here are some actions that may help:
1. Seek Professional Help
It’s essential to recognize and acknowledge your mental health struggles and seek professional help when needed. Therapy can be beneficial in addressing the root causes of your career depression and providing tools to help you cope. Hiring anexperienced life coach can start you with your therapy. They can help motivate and guide you through the process.
2. Find a Support System
Having a support system in your career is crucial. You must have colleagues, friends, or family members you can rely on during tough times. Reach out to people who care about you and are willing to listen and offer advice or encouragement.
3. Take Care of Your Mental Health
It’s vital to prioritize your mental health, especially when going through a difficult time in your career. Find ways to relax and recharge outside work, such as meditation, exercise, or hobbies. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and eating well.
Career depression and burnout are common issues in today’s fast-paced, high-stress work environment. However, by recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps to address them, it is possible to revitalize your career. Balancing your work-life commitments, building a supportive network, seeking professional help, and nurturing your mental health are all crucial strategies. Remember, your job is not your life; it’s just a part of it. It’s essential to find meaning and satisfaction in your work, but never at the expense of your well-being. Take care of yourself, and remember that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.
