Depression can have many different causes, ranging from the purely psychological (such as unresolved trauma) to the physical (such as a chemical imbalance in the body). But one of the most commonly-cited elements in diagnosing depression is dissatisfaction with your career, whether that stems from prolonged periods of stress or simply a lack of stimulation and emotional fulfillment.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment has been huge, with many people losing their jobs or finding themselves in uncertain circumstances. With that in mind, it’s not hard to see why career-related depression is more common than ever. But how exactly is it diagnosed?
Diagnosing Career Depression
Obtaining a medical diagnosis for your depression is not always easy. After all, it can be tricky to tell whether what you are experiencing is a genuine long-term sickness or merely short-term stress/anxiety. The key thing to remember is that when you are suffering from depression, your symptoms remain for extended periods of time. So if you experience prolonged bouts of any of the following symptoms, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice:
- Loss of concentration
- Generalized fatigue
- Feelings of constant anxiety or sadness
- Feelings of guilt
- Self-harm and/or suicide ideation
Another factor to monitor is your sleep pattern. Do you feel tired all the time, but are unable to drift off to sleep? Perhaps you lie awake at night worrying about what the next day will bring? Career depression makes getting a good night’s sleep especially difficult.
Depression and Sleep
Just about everybody who suffers from depression also experiences disrupted sleep patterns. However, the impact of depression on sleep can take many different forms. For instance, you might experience insomnia- meaning the inability to fall asleep. However, you might also experience what’s known as “hypersomnia,” meaning excessive sleep and drowsiness. In other words, you might find it hard to get out of bed in the morning, or else you might take more naps during the day. Another frequently-cited symptom is obstructive sleep apnea, which can lead to excessive snoring and difficulty breathing.
Here are just a few things you can do to improve your sleep pattern and help to alleviate your depressive symptoms:
- Steer clear of alcohol- It’s a common misconception that alcohol induces sleep. While it can make you feel drowsy, it is actually extremely unlikely to promote longer periods of sleep.
- Exercise, walk, and get a breath of fresh air- Even short periods of exercise can make a difference to your serotonin levels which, in turn, can reduce your symptoms.
- Seek therapy/counseling- Talking to a therapist is highly recommended for anyone suffering from sleep deprivation or other depressive symptoms.
- Seek help- If you’re not comfortable talking to a professional such as a therapist or your doctor, then try talking to someone close to you, such as a family member or somebody else whom you trust.
Of all the hints and tips mentioned above, by far the most important is to seek help from someone you trust. There are so many instances of depression leading to self-harm and even suicide, which could have been prevented had the sufferer spoken to someone about their illness. So if you are experiencing career-related depression, or any other chronic symptoms such as the aforementioned disrupted sleep pattern, then talk to a professional as soon as possible. It’s the first vital step on the road to recovery.