Any job will require some hard work but there’s a point when the compulsion to work becomes negative and destroys the balance in your life. When you overwork it can have severe consequences and become dangerous to your mental and physical health.
Overworking is strongly linked to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Depression affects people in many different ways and for varying periods of time. Fortunately, it is highly treatable and seeing a depression therapist can be very beneficial.
Signs that you’re overworking
Some of the clear signs you may be overworking include emotional exhaustion, detachment, feelings of apathy and hopelessness, pessimism or irritability. If you have difficulty concentrating, changes in your sleeping patterns, appetite changes and chronic headaches or stomachaches, these are signs you can’t afford to ignore.
Loss of interest in activities you normally enjoy, withdrawal from your family and friends, restlessness, fatigue, anger and irritability are common signs of depression.
Treatment for depression
Depression isn’t a sign of weakness but an illness that requires professional treatment. It can be caused by psychological, social, environmental, biological, genetic and social factors. A major life change, trauma and stress can often bring on an episode of depression and with the right care, you can start feeling like yourself again.
Antidepressant medications may be necessary and therapy is effective, either in conjunction with medication or on its own. The benefit of therapy is that it can have an enduring effect that lasts even when treatment with medication has ended. Interpersonal therapy (IT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are two common evidence-based forms of therapy for depression.
Seeing a depression therapist
A depression therapist can help you if you’re suffering from depression. You can identify the life experiences that contributed to it and start to pinpoint unhelpful thought processes or behaviors that contribute to your feelings of hopelessness and despair.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you to change limiting beliefs, behaviors that could worsen your depression and help you to interact with others in more positive ways. Interpersonal therapy could help you to improve your relationships by expressing your emotions and learning to solve problems in healthier ways.
Personalized treatment plans
As there is no single therapeutic approach, a therapist will usually work very closely with you to develop a personalized plan to address your specific needs. Therapy can offer you the strategies you need to cope better with your stress and manage depression. This can help you to recover and begin functioning at your best again.
Contact Dr. Laura Calnan
Dr. Laura Calnan (PsyD) is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in treating anxiety and depression. She has been in practice since 2007 and practices integrative psychology. She will help you to deal with anxiety and depression so you can live the life you want to lead. Remote video sessions are available and you can either fill in a contact form on the website or call 818.331.1131 to find out more.