5 Strategies for Dealing with Depression Once You’re Back at the Office
Written by Melissa Schenkman, MPH, MSJ
The day is finally here. After two or more years, your company has called you back to the office a few days a week or full time.
Instead of feeling elated, you may find yourself feeling depressed that you have to go. You will likely feel worried about contracting COVID-19 by being put in uncomfortable situations where you have to gather with colleagues in enclosed spaces like conference rooms, at lunches, or on elevators to even get to your office.
And after your first few days back in this ‘new normal’ version of your office life, you may be incredibly frustrated, especially about the loss of control of your work schedule and environment.
The reality: just like we kept being told by our government and national health officials that things would not go back to the way they were pre-pandemic like flipping a light switch, you are going to need time and support to figure out what your ‘new normal’ is going to be. And ultimately, what is going to work for you.
Known as the Confidence Expert, Jason Phillips, LCWS, runs his own private practice, Peace & Prosperity Coaching. He uses evidence-based treatments to help clients achieve success in the areas of mental health and wellness
“I wouldn’t try to go back to things as they once were because life as we knew it is going to be different. And, change brings about anxiety and depression,” says 37-year-old mental health therapist and life coach, Jason Phillips LCSW.
“However, if you can plan out what you want your change to look like that will lessen some of your concern. But just not trying to force it with how it used to be or just being open to change will help you with the anxiety we all may have.”
How can we navigate our ‘new normal’ road ahead?
Phillips shares his five strategies for handling the feelings of depression, frustration, and loss of control you my face once you enter the doors of your office building whether two days a week or full time.
#1 Write about your thoughts
Take the time to write down your thoughts on paper. Why? Because when you put thoughts on paper you can see it clearly.
#2 Find resources for therapy or coaching
Be open to seeking out a therapist or life coach. Don’t try to tackle all of this on your own.
#3 Monitor what you put into your system
Pay attention to what you are eating every day. The foods you choose to eat do matter because they can impact your mood.
#4 Get out in the sunshine
Make sure you are getting sunlight or Vitamin D, especially during these winter months when it can be really gray.
#5 Spend time on an activity that you love
Make sure you are engaging in a hobby you enjoy. Let’s not have everything be about work, work, work.
To learn more about the mental health challenges millennials have been facing throughout the pandemic, and Jason’s strategies to overcome them, visit our Making a Healthy Work Comeback page.
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