How To Succeed in Your Career with High-Functioning Depression
There’s a lot that all of us have to handle in our day-to-day lives. As we become more and more technologically connected with friends (and strangers), work hours are getting longer, and work availability is becoming 24/7. We’re having to always be “on”.
Living with high-functioning depression makes always being “on” an absolute nightmare for me. I work in a very heavy client-facing field (well actually, two fields), one that requires open availability, and constantly solving problems that pop up within the company to ensure compliance with the overseeing organization. My other field is a constant barrage of customers, fielding questions, always keeping up that customer service facade, all for a weekly paycheck that’s just enough to cover eating out and gas for the week.
So why do I do this to myself? High-functioning depression is just like any other form of depression. It’s painful, it’s harmful to your own physical health, and can make you feel like a prisoner in your own body. There are 5 things I do daily to make sure that even with my mental illness, I can find success in what I do.
1. Do Something You Enjoy
I do what I do because I enjoy it. Deep down I know I enjoy what I do. While my brain may tell me that I don’t enjoy it. While my body may tell me that it can’t sustain it. I know that I do, and I know that I can. Depression is just this constant battle of telling yourself that you can do what you love and you’re not going to wither away just because you’re doing it. No matter how far down into that hole you go, if you truly enjoy what you do then there will always be that little light, that little spark that can keep you going.
2. Find Your Purpose
We all want to find purpose in what we do. It’s human nature. It’s especially true for the younger generation (me especially as a millennial/gen z cusper). Finding purpose in what you do makes you feel this deep sense of accomplishment, and that what you do truly changes the lives of others for the better.
For me, working in Real Estate makes me feel like I’m helping people realize their dreams of buying a home. While it may not be a dream I share, I truly love helping people. Assisting through a confusing, difficult, and stressful process brings me a lot of happiness when they move into the home of their dreams. It’s absolutely stressful, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Say No
Saying no in a workplace can feel like a surefire way to get kicked out the door. Especially when depression or anxiety has all sorts of alarms going off in your head if you even think about saying no. If you feel you’re at capacity and a manager or a coworker is looking to have you do something extra that you feel you cannot handle at this time, let them know that you do not have the availability for that task.
Rather than just straight up saying “no”, offer other options. Such as if the task can wait until you have more availability, or if it is OK to delay a task you’re currently working on to handle their task (if it’s urgent), or recommending a coworker who may be available (or better yet) more suited to handle that task.
Delegation is a huge part of work, so delegate if you feel you cannot handle a task. Delegate responsibly!
4. Take Time For Yourself
This one is one of my main day-to-day activities to help me handle depression while at work. Even though I can’t go lay in bed at 1 o’clock at the office, I find other things I enjoy that have no direct connection with my work at hand.
I’ll go find a quiet space in the office, or even just at my desk with headphones in, and read a book. I enjoy furthering my knowledge of leadership or learning about other businesses so I’ll read books such as “The Starbucks Experience” by Joseph Micheli, or “The First-Time Manager” by Loren Belker, Jim McCormick, and Gary Topchik. While they have absolutely nothing to do with the tasks on my plate that day, they allow me to just escape the constant barrage of emails and calls to take some time to myself and gather my own thoughts. While also allowing me to expand my knowledge and information relevant to my work.
5. Be Honest and Open
Understandably, some people may not have the luxury of being honest and open with their managers or coworkers. If you do, don’t be afraid to be open with them about your mental illness. Not only are you doing your little part to fight the stigma against mental illness and the workplace, but you also alleviate that pressure to “perform”.
You lift that feeling, even just a bit, that you have to constantly perform that you’re totally happy, totally ready to go, totally a people-person. Everyone has their off days, and depression can be similar, if not the same. They’ll be more understandable, more considerate, and understand that what you’re doing isn’t because you find your job boring, but because doing this helps you truly appreciate your job and ensure that you are operating as best as you can.
Of course, this list isn’t a one size fits all thing. We all operate differently and we all find purpose, enjoyment, and relaxation methods different. Take some time when you’re feeling well to explore your own purpose, find what you personally enjoy, and what helps you relax. It takes work, but with proper medication and mindfullness of your own self you can learn to live with your depression without letting in impede in your personal and professional growth.
Lastly, if you are ever feeling lonely, do not hesitate to reach out to depression helplines like The Samaritans. You can call or text 24/7 at (877) 870–4673 (HOPE)
