Stuck in the interior design industry with long hours. it's making my depression relaspe

Hangouts Adulting
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i cant escape the industry, ppl escaped via bootcamps during early covid to become programmers, data analysts or ux designers. tried to follow but too late due to needing a lot of time to recover from anxiety disorder. There was an oversaturation of bootcamp graduates and no jobs. so i’m back in interior design industry and this time it’s even longer hours cuz of being a sales interior designer. just dont know what to do, dont wanna attempt suicide again cuz i took so much effort to recover and now its relapsing

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hey @user1138 , I’d like to start by saying that I’m not a professional, but I’m sorry to hear you’re going through this. It sounds incredibly tough, and I’d like you to know that your feelings are completely valid. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed and to need time to process everything.

You’ve shown so much strength by making it through before, and it shows how resilient you are. I can only imagine how challenging it must be to face the long hours and stress in your job, especially with the added pressure of being a sales interior designer.

Has anything been helpful before in reducing your stress? I’m also wondering, what drew you into interior designing in the first place?

Please remember that you’re not alone in this. Do believe in your ability to get through this, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now. It’s okay to take things one step at a time and to prioritise your well-being.

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hello @user1138 , thank you for sharing about your situation, it often takes a lot of courage to talk about our problems and the fact that you are sharing also shows your effort in working towards a solution, so i’m proud of you for that. it must have been so difficult navigating an industry that you are not exactly comfortable in. if you’re comfortable, could you share what are the specific stressors that you are facing in your job/ industry?

perhaps, speaking with someone in the industry or someone who used to be in the industry could help if you are looking to transition into doing something else. no matter what, know that you can take it one step at a time, and i believe you are able to get through this tough time slowly but surely, as you gain more experience and explore your options within and beyond the field. there are people on the let’s talk community rooting for you too! :slight_smile:

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Hmm @user1138 thanks for sharing I heard that the ID industry is really competitive from people I know so I can only imagine how hard it is especially needing more time to get back. :people_hugging:

Perhaps take your time to do things step by step. Do you at least have base pay as a sales ID?

I feel that whatever it is you will find a way especially when you look back at how far you have gone, your recovery journey etc its not easy and you should give yourself credit where its due heh.

Its okay to be abit slower and take your time as long as there’s small improvements over time which can compound :slight_smile:

What ever it is as the very least we are here to listen so take it slow and pace yourself :muscle: There is always a solution sometimes we just can see it immediately :+1:

If anything feel free to share more here we are here to listen :slight_smile:

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Hi @user1138 I hear you—feeling stuck in an industry you’re trying to escape from is incredibly frustrating. It’s tough when you see others transitioning successfully while you’re dealing with personal challenges like anxiety recovery. It might be worth exploring a few options to make things more manageable, like taking online courses for your transition, networking or freelancing.

It may take time, but it’s okay to take small steps towards change. You don’t have to figure everything out immediately. Hang in there and take care of yourself. :orange_heart:

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Dear @user1138 ,

I’m truly sorry to hear that you’re going through such a difficult time. It sounds incredibly challenging to be stuck in a situation that feels overwhelming and to see your mental health suffer as a result. I can only imagine how exhausting it can be to try and make a change, only to face new obstacles. You’ve shown tremendous strength in recovering from past difficulties, and let’s also acknowledge the effort you’ve already put in. Your feelings are valid, and it’s important to prioritise your well-being.

Here are a few steps you might consider to help manage this situation:

  1. Seek Professional Help: Speaking with a mental health professional, such as a counsellor or therapist, can provide you with the support and strategies you need to cope with your current challenges. They can also help you develop a plan to manage your depression and anxiety. You don’t have to go through this alone. Here are some community options for your consideration:

  1. Speak with Your Doctor: If you’re experiencing a relapse in your depression, it’s crucial to consult your psychiatrist or make an appointment with a new doctor. They can review your treatment plan and make necessary adjustments.

  2. Prioritise Self-Care: Make self-care a priority in your daily routine. This includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, and mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga. Without a healthy body it will be alot more challenging to think clearly or feel better about your situation.

  3. Explore Flexible Work Options: If the long hours in the interior design industry are a significant stressor, consider discussing flexible work options with your employer. This might include adjusting your hours or working remotely part-time.

  4. Network and Seek Mentorship: Connect with others in your industry or those who have successfully transitioned to other fields. They may offer valuable advice or mentorship that could help you navigate your career path. Careers Future has some resources that could be helpful for you. Maybe even try talking to a career coach.

  5. Consider Part-Time Studies or Courses: While full-time bootcamps may not be feasible, part-time or self-paced online courses might be a more manageable option for you to gradually acquire new skills. You may want to check out - SSG | SkillsFuture Work-Study Programmes

  6. Consider Bridging Jobs: Sometimes change is scary, and it may be necessary to take a bridging job before finding your ideal position. Part-time options such as freelance work, temporary roles, or consulting in your field might provide a more manageable workload while you continue to recover and explore other opportunities.

  7. Evaluate Career Options: One option is to leave the industry if it’s detrimental to your health. Alternatively, you could explore ways to improve your skill sets to thrive in the interior design industry without burning out. This might include learning new time management techniques, enhancing your design skills, or finding niche areas within the industry that are less demanding. Here are some journal prompts that I hope you will find helpful.

Self-Reflection Journal Prompts:

  • What aspects of my current job bring me the most stress and why?
  • What parts of interior design do I enjoy the most, and how can I focus more on these areas?
  • Are there skills I can develop that might make my job more manageable or enjoyable?
  • What steps can I take to improve my work-life balance?
  • If I were to leave the industry, what other careers or roles am I passionate about?
  • How does my current job align with my long-term personal and professional goals?

Most importantly, thank you for coming here to share. Reaching out for support is crucial. Your mental health and overall well-being must come first, even before financial health. If you find yourself feeling overly triggered and experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out for support immediately. Your safety is non-negotiable. Consider sharing your struggles with family and friends to feel supported and heard. You’re always welcome to come here and share more. We’ll do our best to support you too.

I hope the above has been helpful and if you’d like more resources or if there is anything else you’d like to share with us, please do. We’re here to listen to you, your feelings are valid and you matter! :grinning:

Take care,
CoolBreeze =)