The last full-time job I had was during the time my depression first hit, and it wasn't fun...I didn't know what was going on...didn't realize why I was always so down and angry. Since then, it's been freelance and very VERY part-time stuff. So I guess I only coped because I didn't realize anythng was wrong :( not that you can call that coping.

I have a job. I work full time (31 hours) at a day care center. I have been there 11 years. I go to a mental health program and they helped me get my job. So my co worker and bosses know i go to this program and have a mental. What helps with my depression is having one day off a week to go to my program.

I work full time, and it takes every ounce of energy I have to complete my 8 hour day. I end up going to bed early every night, and sleeping a lot on the weekends to recouperate.
I am on anti-depressant medication to help me.
I don't socialize with friends or take part in gatherings. I do have a supportive boyfriend, and we have been living together for 8 years. He accepts me "as I am".
Basically, I need money to live, so I do what I have to do, and that's why I go to work every day. I actually have a very good job, (been there 15 years), and I make a decent wage.
My depression comes across as irritability and anger. Some days I have mood swings, then there are other days at work when I am sweet, nice and fun. Unfortunately, that's how my depression rears its ugly head. But, even when I am overwhelmed I don not cry in public.

That's my story.............

I work FT and have for over 20 years...ATM Im on leave for physical issues

Well, I had to get on Social Security Disability mainly because I could no longer afford my medications that I needed. So, yea, right now I'm not working :(

I WORK FULL TIME AND SOMETIMES IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. YESTERDAY WAS AN AWEFUL DAY FOR ME. BUT MY STRONG POINT HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO JUST KEEP GOING...AT LEAST THAT IS WHAT MY DOC SAYS. I TOLD HIM YESTERDAY I DID NOT WANT TO GO IN TO WORK. BUT I WAS DRESSED AND READY. DIDN'T MAKE IT ALL GO AWAY BUT I FORGOT ABOUT IT FOR AT LEAST A TIME. MY JOB REQUIRES THAT. I FELL APART AT THE END OF THE SHIFT THOUGH. I NEED A DAMN VACATION....IN SWITZERLAND OR SPAIN OR ITALY...:-)

LIFE WITH DEPRESSION IS NOT EASY. JUST DON'T LET IT RUIN YOU. IT CAN IF YOU LET IT.

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I have a 40+ hour week job. I can honestly say that it has been a huge struggle for me. I am trying to recover from a previous toxic work environment and so in my new job I have found many triggers that will bring on multiple physical symptoms and problems. I just try to take it day by day. I have read that several members try volunteer work as a way to sort of "dip their toes in the water" towards going back to work. There are lots of organizations out there who would love to have new talented volunteers. Plus you can use that experience on your resume in the future. Just know you are not alone and post and keep us up to date on how things are going. {{hugs}}

Hello Mona.... Any job I do must be reasonably stress free and involve very few people. Before the breakdown I was working crazy, highly stressful days in a residential home for people with Aspergers Syndrome. I did well for a number of years, looking back now I can see how I wasn't doing that well really.. Highly stressed, daily physical & mental abuse, crazy workloads, which often meant I was behind and on catch up..I carried this off for about six years I think..I can so remember feeling super anxious on the inside...I was flipping cartwheels and nobody suspected a thing until probably a week or two before I broke down. People starting questioning me, I seemed different they would say..I no longer had patience or seemed to care. Prior to this I was well known for being patient and caring...I think this didn't help me in the big scheme of things. I was often put working with people, who through no fault of their own were difficult to work with. Plus I was quite a passive person and never really complained..Just got on with it...So all these factors contributed to me breaking down in a staff handover one morning...And that was that.

Fast forward 8mths later and I was eased back in...lol. Yeah right...Was ok for a short while, but I think my manager knew I could no longer handle the pressure of the job. Luckily I was moved to another less stressful house, within our service. My new job was also regular nights...which is perfect for me...Most of our residents sleep through the night and I have a pretty easy workload now..I can have all my work done within the first couple of hours...Big thing for me is "People" I work alone, the only time I see staff is at the start and end of shifts.. Sorry I couldn't offer much advice...Just be careful about any future job you may do...You have to really be careful about the choices you make.

I am trying for ss disability or ssi. I can not work due to depression and anxiety. Some days I can not leave my house. I wish I could work. It makes me feel like a loser you know?

I used to work two jobs without days off trying to figh depression when it was not as hard. Now as my depression got really bad I lost both jobs. If it will get a little better I will ask my relatives help me to get disablity payment. I can not do that now because I can not move around.

I worked for 30 years fighting this depression. The last seven years that I worked were terrible. As you mentioned, the lack of concetration and the feeling that I just don't care. I had reached a point where I would rather blow my brains out than walk in that office anymore. I decided it was time to quitl It was slowly taking the life out of me between that job and my depression. Between the job and my depression they were slowly draining the life out of me.

I had a good job too. I lost a lot of benefits, my retirement, my insurance and my life insurance. It was a tough decision but I just could not take it anymore.