Depression is a common mental health condition that can affect anyone at any stage of their life. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of people experiencing depression in the workplace. Some of the factors that contribute to this are:

1. Lack of support. This can come from colleagues who do not understand the condition, or managers who do not provide adequate support for those who are struggling. Without the right support, it can be challenging for people to manage their condition, leading to a decline in mental health.

2. Long working hours. People who work long hours may find themselves struggling to balance their work and personal life, which can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. This can be particularly challenging for those who have pre-existing mental health conditions, such as depression.

3. High levels of stress. Stress is a natural response to challenging situations, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to a decline in mental health. In the workplace, stress can come from a variety of sources, such as tight deadlines, a heavy workload, or a lack of control over one's work.

Depression in the workplace is a complex issue but not impossible to manage. If you work with a company that lacks support for its employees, requires long working hours, and pushes your stress levels to the limits, then here are seven top tips to help you cope with depression in the workplace.

Tip 1: Use positive self-talk.

One way to help manage depression in the workplace is through positive self-talk. Positive self-talk is a technique that involves focusing on positive thoughts and emotions about yourself. It can be a powerful tool in managing depression because it helps to shift your focus away from negative thoughts and feelings.

In the workplace, positive self-talk can help you to stay motivated and focused on your tasks. Here are a few examples of positive self-talk you can practice:

• "I am capable of completing this task, even if it feels challenging right now."

• "I am doing the best that I can and that is enough."

• "I am valued and respected in my workplace and my contributions are important."

Although positive self-talk is not a cure for depression, it can be a helpful tool in managing symptoms.

Tip 2: Take breaks.

Taking breaks can be an effective way to manage your depression and improve your overall mental health. It allows you to step back from whatever task you're working on and take a deep breath. This can help you clear your mind and think more clearly, which can be especially helpful if you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed.

When you take breaks, you also avoid burnout, which is a common problem for people who work long hours. You get a chance to engage in activities that you enjoy. This could be anything from going for a walk to reading a book or even listening to music. Whatever it is, doing something that you enjoy can help boost your mood and reduce your stress levels.

Feeling depressed at work makes it difficult to stay motivated and focused. Your break times can help you focus and be productive throughout the day.

Tip 3: Practice self-care.

Practicing self-care means prioritizing your mental health. It's important to acknowledge that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Make time for self-care activities such as meditation, exercise, or therapy, and prioritize them as you would any other important task.

Set realistic expectations for yourself and communicate them with your supervisor or team members. And, like I stated earlier, take breaks. It's important to take breaks throughout the workday to recharge and refocus.

Tip 4: Set boundaries.

Setting boundaries can help you prioritize self-care. By establishing clear limits on what you are willing and able to handle at work, you can ensure that you have the time and energy to take care of yourself outside of work.

What are some ways you can set those limits?

• Take your breaks.

• Leave work at a reasonable time.

• Avoid taking on too many responsibilities.

You can reduce the likelihood of burnout and the feeling of overwhelm when you set clear limits. This can also help you maintain a healthy work-life balance and prevent your depression from worsening.

Tip 5: Practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness is the practice of focusing on the present moment and being aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can help alleviate symptoms of depression. It can clear your mind and reset your focus so you become more productive.

Practice mindfulness by being present and engaged in your work at hand instead of multitasking or worrying about the future. This can help you feel more accomplished and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

Tip 6: Seek professional help.

In the workplace, depression can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and strained relationships with colleagues. It can also make it challenging to focus on tasks, complete assignments, and meet deadlines.

Professional support can help through therapy. Therapy provides a safe space to discuss your feelings, identify negative thoughts and behaviors, and learn coping strategies to manage symptoms. A therapist can also help you set achievable goals and develop a plan to achieve them; they can help you with medication management, among other things.