Are you on medication, and do you see a therapist? It might be that your meds need to be adjusted.

Years ago, I finally gave up trying to work for others and to adhere to the required work schedule. I began my own business and found I could run it according to how the depression was affecting me. I know this isn't always an option, but it might be something for you to consider for the future.

sally4th, that is what I did also. I could not manage to work for someone else and manage my depression.

I too missed a lot of work because of my depression and anxiety. My pdoc eventually said 'no more' and I am waiting for a disability hearing.

I agree that perhaps your meds may need to be adjusted and therapy helpful. I couldn't make it through the days without them. Good luck!

There must be alot of us who do it. I just couldn't concentrate in my former jobs, and there were too many days I couldn't even bear to leave my home.

If we broke a leg and had a cast on it when we went back to the job, there would be all kinds of concern and consideration for our 'problem', but depression is hidden within our minds, and people who don't deal with it have no clue how overwhelming just getting out of the house can be.

If we dare to say we have depression, too often the response is, "Oh, I'm down, too". Or, "Well, just get your hair done and your bound to feel better". They just don't get what it's like to live with a black shroud over us. I finally had to give up and retreat to home and solitude in order to make anything of my life.

i am also struggling with working full time and contending with my anxiety and depression. Its aweful trying to work when you feel so bad. i take frequent breaks and go for a walk because i cant sit still. i have applied for ssdi and ssi and i hope i get it because i cant handle this much longer. i feel myself spiriling into a deep depression and am afraid i'll become psychotic again like i did 21 years ago. psychosis scares me more than anything - its horrible! i'm on meds but my doc wont give me benzos as i admitted to having a drinking problem years ago. i wish i could get SOME relief, even just a few benzos would help.

Yes it is possible to hold a job down with the right conditions. I worked in a very stressful job, for about six years. This had such a big impact on my life and I can no longer hold down a regular job..Cant cope with stress, cant cope with people, cant cope with management and their ways...This kind of narrows down my options and I'm very grateful for having a night job. I work alone and it fits in with my shitty sleep pattern... So I say to you newlymarried, please keep your options open. Only you know how badly work is impacting on your health.. After breaking down at work and long term sickness, I'm now paying the price for not doing something about it.. Something positive did come out of it though, I'm no longer surrounded by fake people who are only interested in themselves.. Glad not to be part of that anymore..

Good luck and I wish you well...hugs!!!

" i'm on meds but my doc wont give me benzos as i admitted to having a drinking problem years ago"

Billy, a history of problems with alcohol doesn't mean you can't have meds that will help you, even though it does mean you cannot go onto certain meds.

I'm a recovering alcoholic (27 years) and I've been on effective meds for decades now.

If you aren't seeing a psychiatrist, you might want to consider one, as they are the most qualified physicians to determine the appropriate meds.

Holding a job is absolute hell, I have lost dozens of jobs due to depression. It's a scramble to stay alive.

i work a 40 hour a week job. it is a "good" job but uninspiring and stressful. we have been having job cuts and my job may go sooner than i'd like. part of me says i'd like to get cut so i'd have a break (i'd get severnce for awhile) but he other part knows how dangerious that break can be for an older woman like me. can't imagine that i will be able to get anything at my age and in this economy. i think overall, not having a job would be more stressful than the current situation. but i could be wrong.

i don't like being at work and i don't like being home alone. work does force me to get out of bed (however slowly).

Been working and dealing with major depression, narcolepsy and burnout in my profession for over 10 years now. Everyday is hard even with medication. dealing with the stress is key. Find an outlet of some sort. The only reason i continue on is the fact i have 3 kids that need support. I am torn though. Some days i don't think i can take anymore, but somehow i persevere. One day i will probably crack, but as long as i put it off for one more day i will make it. I work 3.5 days a week to take the edge off. Hang in there, times will get better.

I once had to take medical leave because of my severe depression I was hospitalized for an extended period. I came back to my job and luckily I work for someone that can for the most part accomodate my condition. I know I'm very lucky. I really had no choice. I needed the job to support my family and keep my insurance.

My current work schedule is very difficult to cope with but it is possible with proper treatment.In fact I believe I am doing well today because I can still work. I'm close to having 20 years now where I work. I look to retire in no more than ten and no less than 5 years from now. That timeframe is contingent on things staying alright and nothing unforeseen happening.

So yes it's possible but it takes a lot of will power and diligence.Be as open and honest as is safe with your employer.I completely agree with the others that talk about having therapy. Your doctor or therapist can be very helpful in advising you on how to deal with your employer. I rely on my medication a great deal. If needed I'll go back to therapy.

If you are capable of being in business for yourself you might look into that. My background didn't allow for that. Trying really hard to follow a recommended treatment plan is keeping me healthy enough to work.

I would also express the importance of getting a good amount of rest and exercising as is tolerated. I need to exercise more so I can't be real helpful when it comes to that. Staying on a regimented schedule of when you go to bed and get up can be very helpful too.Eating a healthy diet and taking a multivitamin has been helpful too.Basically I try to "stack the deck" in my favor where ever I can. My sleep schedule is erratic because I work a rotating shift schedule. But when I've had relapses getting a set amount of rest at a set time has been very helpful.

Always remember that there is a family medical leave act that allows you to take unpaid leave for medical reasons. This includes severe depression. It is considered to be a treatable condition. Also if your employer provides insurance some companies provide for mental health services. My employer has a service that provides me with three free counseling visits if needed.This can be for work issues, family problems and of course mental health issues.The name of this service escapes me right now. But maybe it is something your employer provides.

Sorry for the length of this response. I hope you can find something that can be of help. All the best of wishes to you.

Thanks everyone for your responses. I am determined to get delivered from this depression and anxiety so I can work again. I am currently of FMLA at work. However, sitting home only makes me feel sicker. I am praying that going back to work will ease my depression. Luckily, i work with a great group of people and they are willing to support me. Wish me luck on Monday and keep me in prayer.