When you have depression, yet are still working, life can be difficult. As a Christian, when you share these struggles with others, they may remind you to…
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters
Colossians 3:23
This is not wrong, but depression can leave you struggling to do anything even half-heartedly. Therefore, this verse can just make the guilt and depression sink in deeper.
Here I will share some things that have helped me:
Pray
I have a better attitude at work when I pray about it before and during my working day. Turning my gaze away from ‘woe is me’ and towards ‘great is the Lord’ has the side effect of brightening my feelings towards my work.
Listen to music
Music can lift your mood and keep you focussed through monotonous tasks. If you want some ideas for songs, check this post: https://pagesofhope.co.uk/index.php/2023/01/26/6-great-christian-songs-for-when-youre-depressed/
Take advantage of workplace benefits
In medium and large businesses, Employee Assistance Programmes provide support to employees who are struggling. An increased focus on well-being in our culture has led to an increase in internal well-being sessions and courses. Other options, such as mentoring and coaching, may be available. Investigate what’s out there and take that step forward to use it.
Speak to your manager
In England, it is not a legal requirement to disclose your mental health issues with your boss. However, I personally chose to tell my line manager about my situation once I felt like my work was being affected, and I have not regretted it. Having that extra level of understanding between us has been very helpful, and I have felt better supported in my role.
Pray with others
Consistently praying with a small group of Christians will encourage you to keep praying about work. It will remind you throughout your working day that you are not alone in this, as others have you in their thoughts and prayers.
Write a purpose statement
This sounds very formal, but it may be beneficial. Think through the key parts of your job, who your job helps and the difference it makes. Then write it on a slip of paper and keep it close to your work area. This can be a source of encouragement to keep going.
Write Bible verses
The Lord has the power to keep you going, so keeping helpful Bible verses near your work area can encourage you. Better still, you could learn these verses (you may eventually find yourself learning them anyway if you look at them frequently enough!). Here are a few that might be helpful:
Cast your cares on the Lord
and he will sustain you;
he will never let
the righteous be shaken.
Psalm 55:22
Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Isaiah 46:4
In a desert land he found him,
in a barren and howling waste.
He shielded him and cared for him;
he guarded him as the apple of his eye,
like an eagle that stirs up its nest
and hovers over its young,
that spreads its wings to catch them
and carries them aloft.
Deuteronomy 32:10-11
Take frequent breaks
Short breaks can give you a reset – a couple of quiet minutes can do wonders for calming and reorganising your mind.
Get some fresh air
I wish I was better at this one, but I always feel better when I go for a short walk at lunchtime. Is that possible for you? Is there anyone you could walk with?
Decompress
When you travel to work, you have inbuilt time to decompress as you return home. However, if you work remotely, it is possible to let all the boundaries blur. Having a distinct end-of-day moment where we put our work aside is good for our mental health. Going for a walk or doing exercise are excellent ways to do this, but other ways, like doing a jigsaw or simply changing outfits, can also be very beneficial.
Investigate ADHD aids
If you’re struggling to remain focused at work, look to the experts! There are a range of ADHD techniques, and some of them may help you.
For example, I started using my children’s fidget toys during my online meetings. This worked really well, so I bought a fidget ring for subtle use in the office too.
Consider changing jobs
I suggest this tentatively, knowing that any job dissatisfaction caused by depression will follow you into a new role. The application process and starting a new job can both be stressful and can trigger a low bout of depression or anxious tendencies.
However, in certain circumstances, a change may be the best way forward. I would recommend getting advice from people who know you well, as they can often see things more objectively.
Seek Professional Help
If work is an enormous battle, it could be time to speak to a medical professional. Your GP can direct you to a variety of methods which may help you.
Disclaimer: Please note that I am neither a medical professional nor a qualified theologian. I am a Christian hoping to share some things I have learned, to support others