How to Get Help for Working With Anxiety & Depression on the Job

For many people, disclosing an anxiety or depression illness to people in the workplace can be embarrassing and stigmatizing. Even though the trend to accept depression and other mental illnesses is growing, there are still misconceptions about these disorders. If you are suffering from anxiety or depression and still have work responsibilities, there are several ways to get help.

Instructions

• 1

  Tell your boss or employer about your anxiety and depression condition. Even though his perception of you may change, the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits any discrimination on the basis of a mental or psychological condition. In addition, the company may accommodate your condition or make resources available.

• 2

  Seek help from a licensed professional counselor or psychologist. Not only will they help treat you with specific therapies that are proven to work, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, they can make an official diagnosis of your anxiety or depression condition and refer you for psychiatric treatment.

• 3

  Make an appointment with a licensed psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can prescribe antianxiety or antidepressant medications, such as Zoloft or Celexa. These prescription medications can help relieve anxiety and depression symptoms and bolster your performance on the job. It's important to take these on a regular basis if they are prescribed for your condition.

• 4

  Find resources in your community that will support your efforts to improve your anxiety and depression on the job. Support groups provide social support through positive learning, communications and encouragement from others who suffer from the same mental health disorders.

• 5

  Try relaxation therapies for anxiety and depression on the job. Deep-breathing techniques only take a few minutes of your time and can be effective in improving your mind-set. Meditation techniques, guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation are all good practices that can be performed on a regular basis to improve anxiety and depression symptoms.