When I was first diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and panic disorder, I was working in a medical writing company. But I was spending most of my day in the bathroom hiding while I had rolling panic attacks ALL DAY LONG. Managing mental illness at work is no party.
I’d been working at this company for about 6 months in 2010 with no issues at all. Then boom, the panic attacks and the inability to work cost me my job. I wasn’t surprised when I was fired, but terrified that I’d never work again. But I managed to get a job as a grant writer. By the time I started, my panic attacks were hitting me both day and night. I couldn’t do my job. And again, I was fired.
I sold my house and my daughter and I moved in with my parents. My psychiatrist was working his way through drugs for me to try, but nothing worked. I ended up spending two years with non-stop panic attacks, inpatient treatment, and outpatient treatment.
Working while trying to manage depression, anxiety, or panic attacks can be extremely challenging, as these mental health issues often sap energy, diminish concentration, and induce feelings of overwhelm, making it difficult to perform daily tasks efficiently. By seeking professional help, practicing self-care routines, maintaining open communication with managers and colleagues, and utilizing coping strategies, it is possible to create a supportive work environment that acknowledges and accommodates your mental health needs, ultimately enabling you to manage your emotions and responsibilities more effectively. But this isn’t possible for everyone.
If your mental illness is sabotaging your job and if the environment just isn’t going to be supportive, try switching to something else that puts less demand on your brain. For me, trying to maintain a writing career with all the pressures and deadlines was just not smart for me. I wish that I had looked for a job in retail or food services–something that didn’t tax my mind so much.
If you feel like your mental illness is wreaking havoc on your job, talk to a fellow employee who knows the demands of your job and discuss what options you have before you get fired. Perhaps moving to part-time is enough of a change, or even resigning so you can give 100 percent to your recovery. Or look for something that doesn’t require too much of you and lets you give your brain a rest.
With the help of my psychologist, we decided that work was just a bridge too far for me. I ended up applying for disability and was awarded monthly income. Hopefully, this isn’t the route that you also have to take, but it is an option for you.
If your job has suffered due to mental illness, drop a line in the comment box and let us know.
