Now pull yourself together!

Are depression issues still taboo in the workplace?

Somehow, it’s still easier for us to talk about a broken leg or back pain – but when we’re struggling mentally and our soul is crying, it’s often difficult to find the right words. Especially in the workplace, the topic of depression is still shrouded in a great deal of shame and uncertainty.

“What if my boss realizes how I’m really doing? Will my colleagues still take me seriously? Will I still be able to do my job well?”

In my practice, it’s primarily younger people who come to me feeling depressed. Sometimes, my clients even identify completely with this condition. They speak of “my” depression or “my” exhaustion. If you are suffering from a mental illness, my advice is to first replace “my depression” with “the depression”—this creates distance and reduces identification with the perceived illness.

Depression manifests in many different ways and courses, but in my experience, similarities often emerge. Clients speak to themselves very critically and with little appreciation, saying things like, “Typical, I failed again – I’m really good for nothing!”
We do this automatically without considering that such words and phrases can become ingrained beliefs over time, cementing them in our thoughts and actions. So treat yourself like your best friend, speak kindly to yourself, and replace critical words with words of appreciation.

Clients are often convinced that once depression appears, it’s here to stay. I think it’s not that simple; there are always phases in life where we face enormous challenges and everything seems to collapse like a house of cards. Visualize yourself again and again that happiness, success, and positive thinking are available to you. It’s not just others who can take what they want and need like at a self-service buffet; you can do the same as a matter of course—whether alone or with others. Speaking of being alone: ​​Social isolation is omnipresent, especially during a pandemic, and is practically a part of our lives right now. People suffering from depression, in particular, sometimes feel isolated and avoid social contact, regardless of pandemics. If you recognize yourself in these words, try to engage in virtual exchanges with friends, colleagues, or family members as often as possible, even if it’s not always easy.

One very important thing to conclude. If you are not feeling well mentally, please seek medical and therapeutic help. I have the feeling that we are becoming increasingly open about mental health. Many larger companies already offer so-called EAPs (Employee Assistance Programs), where employees can contact counselors, therapists, and coaches in a completely unbureaucratic, anonymous, and confidential manner and receive help quickly. Take care of yourself!