Depression and HR

Hi Adrian,

Not very helpful but just to let you know, you're not alone. I'm in a high stress, senior management role on a large project, I'm currently suffering with anxiety and depression. Most days is a struggle to drag myself into the shower. I dred meeting people face to face, every time I make a minor error or something goes against me I'm waiting for someone to see it as a major issue and fire me. I have only suffered with this for a year or so. My anxiety and stress is solely brought on by my job and attitudes and machismo present in the industry I work in. In my role it's hugely important to appear strong and in control at all times. This generally leads to being a total mess once you clock off and can release. My GP is helping me to deal with it but ultimately I'm going to have to change careers once I draw down my mortgage in July.

I haven't informed HR and I don't see why I should. In my experience HR is present to protect the employer rather the employee. Do go to a GP, do get help, do find a way of getting exercise and improve your diet. I discreetly informed my direct line manager, so as to keep him in the loop and so the company can't say they were in the dark. I didn't quiet the response I wanted but so as ever.

No it's not but going into work "fit for nothing " isn't the answer, but a doctor is a good place to start, antidepressants may not work but the gp could refer to a counsellor that might help,the OP is not fit to work if they can't do their job so a gp is a good place to start

First off credit to you for facing up to it. For acknowledging it. For posting here. That's a huge step. I suffered since I was 20 but only truly understood it now that i'm in my 40s. By all means go to a doctor and take it from there. I wouldn't see it as necessary to inform HR. Only if you were recommended by a medical profession to step back from your work for a period of time.

There is no easy fix for depression. Meds can work but equally can have icky side affects. They can take time to work. Alternatively talking to a specialist beyond a general GP can be a better route for some. I was diagnosed as being prone to catastrophising where you essentially assume the worst outcome in a given scenario.

Before you commit to meds or go too long talking to a professional beyond a GP make sure you know why you are suffering from depression. You might know yourself or a medical professional might able to glean it from your thoughts. Only once you know why you're suffering from depression can you truly move forward. I think it's preferable to know the source of depression not just tackle the symptoms.

I don't mean to frighten you but I find the standard of mental health care here abysmal. Even with money. Only once did a doctor ring after to check in to see how I was. I think there is a basic lack of understanding about depression amongst medical professionals here. As you suffer from depression there is a good chance you will understand it better than those with letters after their name. I hope you find them more helpful than I have. Good luck!