How to Stop Depression from Sabotaging Your Career

Have you noticed that depression causes self-sabotage? I've noticed it myself. Since the past few months, my sleep schedule has gone for a toss. I find myself staying up late, even on days when I'm tired, and oversleeping has become the norm. The reason is this: increased depression due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Owing to this, my ability to work has been affected.

Today, I am finally ready to accept the fact that I've been sabotaging my writing career. While this year is primarily about survival, I have realized that depression brings with it a tendency to sabotage. Indeed, I am sure you too can think of times when, in a depressed state, you did something you regretted later. 

Even though work is an important part of my life, my depressed mind often makes me feel as if it isn't important enough. On the other hand, due to reasons like avoidance, depression makes me overwork too. Neither of these attitudes is helpful for people who have mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Keeping this in mind, here are some crucial things to remember regarding work, self-sabotage and depression. 

Stop Depression Self-Sabotage

Know Your Limits

In my opinion, productivity is given undue importance, while burnout is largely ignored in the modern workplace. In fact, workaholism is considered a welcome trait. While overwork may help avoid feeling depression in its entirety, I can tell you from personal experience that it is a temporary fix that often leads to burnout. And while it's easy to burnout, recovering from it is hard.

To avoid putting yourself in such a situation, know how much work you can take on without feeling exhausted and overwhelmed at the end of the day. It is only when you know your limits can you prioritize your tasks accordingly.  

Speak Up About Depression

Even as more and more workplaces are focusing on mental health, speaking up about mental health struggles, in general, has to be normalized -- and you can do your bit by sharing your issues. If you are an employee, tell your coworkers and manager(s). If you are an entrepreneur or business owner, speak with your clients and customers. As long as you keep it professional, no law says you cannot discuss mental health at work.

Who knows, your initiative may inspire others to open up about their mental health problems. Considering a physically unwell person doesn't hesitate to talk about his or her ailment, why should a mentally unwell person be shamed into keeping quiet? 

Some More Things You Can Do to Stop Depression Self-Sabotage

Take a look at the video below to know how you can do a good job at work even when you have depression. 

What do you to reduce depression-induced sabotage in the workplace? Please share your hacks and thoughts in the comments below.