Should I quit my job? How to work with depression

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Hi,

I am writing here to seek advice from everyone.. Recently my urge to quit is getting way too real.. I am diagnosed with moderate depression and I find it really hard to work anymore.. i have been hearing alot of negative works from my supervisor everyday, hearing sighs from her and all sorts of things i am not performing well.. She is losing her patience to teach me ans guide me that makes me often a times wonder is it my fault, my problem.. Is it because of my depression? And cuz of that I feel worthless.. My company culture, not the best but it is still okay.. So far, no positives i see but why am I staying is because i have got nice colleagues from other department and I scared of going into that unemployed life again when I have been thru that phase for 2 years.. With job market being worse, i scared i will fall into worser depression due to unemployment and i took a gap year of 2 years, so my resume will look really ugly as I am in this job for only half a year.. But everyday I am really tired of going to work, weekends I am unable to rest well because i got anxiety from incomplete work.

Some comments that my sup say is that I am slow, very disorganise, cannot do things one at a time and all these are symptoms of depression.. I wanna change but I really do not have the effort. Most time i just find it hard to pay attention and because of that, my sup always say I dont listen ( is my way of coping). I tend to forget important points despite writing it down when I get feedbacks or receive task from my supervisor.. This job is really affecting my mental health but I am scared a change in job wouldnt change anything as well if my depression is not cured or fixed to work properly.. I thought of looking for a less difficult job but that means lesser salary and I feel that my university degree would be a waste ( esp since my mom paid 100% of the fees and we are from low-income family). Is there a job that suits people with depression? How do people with depression cope with work?

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Hey @AnxietyEmployee

Hearing what you’re going through, it sounds like you’re carrying a really heavy load, and it’s clear this work situation is having a significant impact on you.

The first thing I really want you to know is that making mistakes is absolutely normal, especially when you’re still relatively new to a job. Half a year is still early days! Seriously, even after two years, I was still learning and making mistakes. And while constructive feedback is part of work, any form of vulgar language, shaming, or degrading comments from a supervisor is never okay. If that ever happens, please consider documenting it carefully – note the date, time, what was happening, and the exact words used. This can be important information for HR and can help prevent similar situations for others.

Also, the fact that you’re worrying about work during your weekends really speaks volumes. It shows that you care and are invested in doing a good job; otherwise, those thoughts wouldn’t be occupying your mind.

Thinking about how I coped with my emotionally abusive supervisor back then, a few things really helped. I used to imagine a bubble around that person when they were scolding, screaming (even with vulgarities), and banging the table. It’s funny imagining them yelling, in the tiny bubble, unable to reach us.

Here are a few things I did to cope, and I really hope they might help you too:

During work, even a short walk under the sun to get lunch gave me a natural energy boost. After work, I’d often meet up with a friend for ice cream at McDonald’s to just rant and let everything out. On days I was alone, I’d still go to McDonald’s with ice cream, just to relax after a long day – taking breaks really makes a huge difference. And if there wasn’t anyone to talk to, I stumbled across this magic trick online: writing down all the negative thoughts and things out of our control on a piece of paper, then ripping it up and throwing it in the bin or toilet bowl. It really helped release all that pent-up energy.

Hang in there, my friend. I know you can get through this. Don’t give up!

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Dear @AnxietyEmployee

Thank you for reaching out and sharing openly what you are going through in . It takes strength to speak honestly about what you’re going through — and I want to start by saying this: you are not alone, and what you’re feeling is valid.

It sounds like you’ve been carrying a heavy weight — not just the demands of your job, but the pressure of your past, your hopes, and your mental health. When depression enters the picture, it can affect everything — energy levels, focus, memory, self-esteem — and these aren’t personal flaws. They’re symptoms of an illness that deserves compassion and support.

What your supervisor is saying is hurtful, and it’s understandable that it’s making you question yourself. But please know: your worth is not defined by productivity, speed, or how well you “keep up” in a system that doesn’t always accommodate people who are struggling. Needing support doesn’t mean you’re failing — it means you’re human.

Here are some gentle suggestions that might help you navigate this situation:

1. Acknowledge that your mental health matters.

You mentioned you’re diagnosed with moderate depression. That is not your fault. If you’re not already seeing a therapist or psychiatrist regularly, it may help to do so — especially to explore options for coping, treatment, or even medical leave (if available and safe for you to pursue).

2. Consider a temporary step back, not a full stop.

Leaving a job is a big decision, and your concerns are very real — the job market, your resume gap, family expectations. But staying in a situation that’s harming your mental health can also come with long-term costs. Could you explore a transfer within the company to a different role or team? Or even part-time or freelance options if you decide to take a break?

3. Look into workplaces with supportive cultures.

Some jobs may be more suitable for people with depression — roles that are more structured, paced, or independent. You might also look into companies known for mental wellness support or progressive HR practices. You’re not limited by your degree — your resilience and life experience are important factors.

You’ve survived unemployment. You’re showing up every day even though it’s hard. That’s not failure — it’s incredible courage. And even if you decide to take a step back now, it doesn’t mean you won’t find your way forward again.

You don’t need to go through this alone.

You’re not hopeless — you’re just tired. And you deserve rest, healing, and a future that feels a little lighter.

Please continue reaching out whenever you need to and take small steps forward. :yellow_heart:

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Hey OP,

Thanks for sharing your story. I sort of understand what you’re going through because I’m also in a job that I don’t desire. I also feel that I’m lagging behind and not doing anything of significance even though I’m coming up close to 2 years working in my company. However, I’m lucky enough that my boss supports me when needed.

Your supervisor doesn’t seem to be giving constructive criticism. I understand that she may have other tasks to do, but in a managerial position, she should also take the responsibility of being able to lead people well.

Depression can really hinder everyday life quite a lot. It’s different for everyone, but in my personal experience, my depressive phases have only made things difficult even though I consider myself high functioning. My head would get fuzzy, and my thoughts would only be preoccupied with self-harming thoughts. But I had to keep up a mask of normality in order to get through my workdays. It was very tiring. You are trying your best with the hand that you’ve been dealt with.

For me, I eventually tried medications again after putting it off some time ago. It made my life much easier to go through. My head is not as overwhelming as before, and I’m able to look at things in a more objective manner. Perhaps you can consider professional help; though, reading through your story, you mentioned you come from a lower-income family. If medications are not an option, you can use healthy coping methods, such as journalling, venting with those you trust, and crying (I cried a lot when I was really depressed.)

I hope you can get through it. It’s not easy being a working adult, but I’d like to believe there are better days in the future <3

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Hey, thanks for opening up — that’s really brave. It sounds like you’re going through a lot, and with depression on top of a difficult work situation, it’s no wonder you’re feeling overwhelmed. It’s tough when your supervisor is harsh, especially when you’re already struggling.

Depression can affect your focus, energy, and organization, so it’s not your fault you’re finding things hard. You’re doing what you can in a tough spot. It’s great that you have some supportive colleagues around you.

If you feel okay with it, you could try talking to your manager about having more constructive conversations and feedback — ones focused on helping you improve rather than just criticizing. You can also ask for specific guidance on how to manage your tasks better or get support when needed. If you feel safe and hopeful that talking to your manager could lead to better support or changes, it might be worth a try.

Changing jobs might help if the environment is toxic, but you’re right that without support for your mental health, the same challenges could come up anywhere. It could help to explore getting professional help if you haven’t yet, like therapy or counseling, to build tools for coping and managing depression.

Some people find part-time or lower-pressure jobs easier when dealing with depression. And don’t forget, your degree and effort aren’t wasted — taking care of your mental health is what matters most right now.

Also, if you decide to stay, it’s important to remind yourself that your supervisor’s criticisms don’t define you. You get to choose which feedback to accept and work on. Trying to fix everything at once isn’t helpful. For example, if she says you’re slow, remember that’s a rude and unfair way to say it — but if you want to improve, you could try asking coworkers how they manage their tasks or spend more time getting familiar with your work. It’s okay to selectively accept feedback, especially if some of it isn’t helpful.

It’s okay to take things slow. Be kind to yourself :heart_hands::blue_heart:

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