Is Your Job Making You Depressed?

1-2 minutes

In this blog, you will learn: 

  • If your job is making you depressed 
  • Signs that your job might be making you depressed 
  • What you can do if you think your job is making you depressed

According to Statistica the most common cause of stress in the UK is work related, with 79% of people asked saying they frequently experience work induced stress. 

It's easy to ignore the signs that your job is making you depressed. You may tell yourself that you just need to push through it or that it's normal to feel this way. 

If you find that you're feeling unhappy and unmotivated at work, it's important to pay attention to those feelings and take steps to address them.

Work-related depression can be detrimental to both you and the company you work for and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence states that on a yearly basis, the UK sees 13.7 million working days lost as a result of work related stress, anxiety and depression.


Signs that your job may be making you depressed:


You dread going to work

If the thought of going to work fills you with dread, it may be a sign that your job is making you unhappy. 

This could be due to a toxic work environment, a boss who is difficult to work with, or simply a lack of fulfillment in your role.


You feel constantly stressed

Feeling stressed at work is normal, but if you feel like you can never escape it, it may be a sign that your job is making you depressed. 

This could be due to unrealistic workloads, constant deadlines, or a lack of support from your colleagues or superiors.

If your worries about work are taking over your free time, you need to address this in order to maintain a healthy work-life balance. 


You're no longer interested in your work

If you used to be passionate about your job but now feel like you're just going through the motions, it may be a sign that your job is no longer fulfilling. 

This lack of interest can lead to feelings of apathy and depression. 

The less interest you have in your work, the more likely your standards are to slip which might lead to disciplinary action from your employer, so addressing this is important. 


You're experiencing physical symptoms

Stress and depression can manifest in physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and digestive problems. 

If you're experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis, it may be a sign that your job is having a negative impact on your health. 

We advise seeking professional medical help if physical symptoms are affecting your day to day life. 


You're struggling to find meaning in your work

Feeling like your job doesn't have a purpose or that you're not making a difference can be demotivating and lead to feelings of depression. 

If you're struggling to find meaning in your work, it may be a sign that it's time to reassess your career path.

Alternatively, we advise setting yourself short and long-term goals in order to remain focussed and give yourself attainable targets to meet. 


What to do if you think your job is making you depressed:

If you think you job is making you depressed, here are some ways to combat it:


Identify the cause

Take some time to reflect on what is causing you to feel unhappy at work. Is it the workload, the environment, or something else? 

Once you identify the root cause, you can start to address it using appropriate measures. 


Talk to someone

Whether it's a colleague, friend, or mental health professional, talking to someone about your feelings can be helpful. 

They may be able to offer support, advice, or a fresh perspective on the situation.

There are also a number of fantastic mental health charities to access support

Remember, a problem share is a problem halved! 


Take time off

If you're feeling overwhelmed, taking a break from work can help. Use the time to relax, recharge, and reflect on your career goals.

If you’re someone who is easily tempted to check work emails outside of office hours, delete any work related apps on your personal devices so you’re able to switch off during your free time. 


Practice self-care

It's important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. This can include things like exercise, meditation, and getting enough sleep.

Eating well and drinking plenty of water are also important ways to feel energised and motivated to take on the day ahead.


Consider a career change 

If you've tried everything and still feel unhappy at work, it may be time to consider a career change. 

This can be a scary prospect, but it can also be a chance to find a job that truly makes you happy and fulfilled.

In conclusion, if you're feeling unhappy or unmotivated at work, it's important to take the time to address those feelings. Your mental health is too important to ignore. 

Remember, there are always options and support available to you, and you deserve to find a job that makes you happy and fulfilled.


Who is Spencer Clarke Group? 

Since 2017, we've been changing the face of recruitment. From our employees, to the way we do business, to the culture within our office, we're determined to make a difference and create a positive impact on everyone around us.

Recruitment to us isn't just about matching candidates and clients; we’re passionate about finding candidates the perfect job which has the ability to boost their salary and standard of living, better their work life balance and improve their mental health. 

Similarly, we understand the impact which an experienced and skilled employee can make to a business and we love seeing clients thrive through the hard work of candidates which we have placed with them. 

We operate in two sectors:

Private Sector

Public Sector 

In eleven specialisms:

Accountancy & Finance

Education & SEND

Construction, Trades & Labour

Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing

Housing

Corporate Functions & Business Support

HR & Workforce Development

IT & Digital

Property & Asset Management  

Planning, Development & Regeneration 

Highways, Infrastructure & Engineering

If you’re searching for a new role, why not visit our job page to take a look at the latest opportunities? Alternatively, upload your CV and one of our experienced consultants will contact you when a relevant opportunity becomes available. 

If you’re struggling to fill a role, why don’t you give us a call on 01772 954200 to see how we can help? One of our consultants will be happy to listen to the challenges which you are facing and advise on the best possible solution for you.

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