How to Cope With Depression Over a Career Choice

Choosing a career path can be both exciting and overwhelming. You might think you know exactly what you want to do, but things can change over time. 

Unfortunately, workplace stress and dissatisfaction are at a high right now. You might find yourself wishing you had gone down a different path or chosen a different career completely. Those thoughts and feelings can lead to resentment, burnout, and even depression.

So, what can you do when you’re experiencing depression over a career choice? How can you prioritize your mental health if you feel like you’ve taken the wrong professional path? 

Your Job Doesn’t Define You

One of the best ways to fight back against career depression is to understand that your job is what you do, not who you are. Striking a healthy work-life balance is a great way to strengthen your identity and recognize that you have a life outside of your job.

That starts with setting boundaries at work. Don’t take on more than you can handle, learn to say “no” to things, and delegate tasks whenever possible. When you’re not on the clock, do things you enjoy and spend time with people who support and uplift you. 

Cultivate a better life for yourself outside of work. Consider taking a class, joining a team or group, or starting a new hobby. By realizing new passions, it will be easier to see that your job doesn’t have to dictate how you see yourself or your future.

Additionally, make sure you’re practicing self-care every day. Self-care is crucial for everyone, but it’s especially effective when you’re struggling with depression. Exercise, meditate, or write in a journal. These simple practices only take a few minutes each day and can make a world of difference in how you feel. 

Be More Mindful

Mindfulness is a fantastic practice if you’re struggling with depression or anxiety. It allows you to stay focused on the present rather than letting negative thoughts dictate the narrative. By making mindfulness a part of your daily routine, you can combat those thoughts and feel more grounded and centered.

If your career path has you down, practice mindfulness by closing your eyes and focusing on slow, deep breaths. What do you smell, hear, and feel? The more in tune you can become with your body, the better. 

Mindfulness can also allow you to practice more gratitude. Focusing on things you are grateful for can help you move toward contentment and satisfaction. It won’t happen overnight, but as you practice gratitude, you can slowly replace unhealthy thought patterns with healthier ones.

Be Proactive

If your job is impacting your mental health, it might be time to make a switch. Of course, quitting tomorrow isn’t an option for everyone. But there’s no reason you can’t be proactive when looking for a new career option.

During your free time, do your research. Do you have another area of interest? What are your passions? What do you really want out of a fulfilling career? You might feel like you’re stuck in your current job now, but you don’t have to stay there forever. Reminding yourself of that and taking steps forward to forge a different path reinstates your sense of agency and can make a difference in your mental health. 

Don’t Do It Alone

Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional if your depression is affecting your quality of life. Being able to talk to a therapist can give you more insight into the roots of depression. You’ll also learn healthy, effective coping mechanisms to foster a greater sense of hope for the future and the strength to make positive changes. Give our offices a call today to start that journey.