Workplace depression: Understanding it and finding support

What workplace depression is

Many people experience periods of low mood, worry or feeling “not quite themselves” at work. But when those feelings persist, make things harder than usual, or start affecting your daily life, it may be depression.

Depression can affect anyone, in any job, at any level. It changes how you think and feel, and can make even simple tasks feel like a challenge. For some, it’s linked to work pressures such as high workloads, long hours or a difficult environment. For others, it’s part of a wider mental health condition that affects life both in and outside of work.

Depression is a health condition – not a weakness.
You deserve support.

Signs of depression at work

You may notice changes in your thinking, emotions, energy or behaviour.

These can include:

Emotional and mental signs

  • Feeling low, numb or hopeless
  • Struggling to concentrate or make decisions
  • Worrying a lot about mistakes or letting people down
  • Feeling negative about your job or your abilities

Behavioural signs

  • Withdrawing from colleagues or avoiding conversations
  • Finding it hard to start tasks
  • Being more absent than usual
  • Losing interest in work you used to enjoy

Physical signs

  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Changes to appetite
  • Headaches or muscle tension
  • Sleeping too much or too little

If these experiences continue for more than two weeks, it might help to talk to someone you trust or seek professional advice.

Self-check: could you be experiencing depression?

You might recognise yourself in some of the following:

  • I wake up feeling low or overwhelmed
  • I’m finding it hard to focus at work
  • I feel disconnected from colleagues
  • I dread going into work
  • My energy levels feel lower than usual
  • My sleep has changed
  • Everyday tasks feel harder than before
  • I don’t feel like myself lately

If several of these feel familiar, you’re not alone - and support is available.

Working from home and low mood

Working from home can be helpful for some, but isolating for others. Without regular interaction or clear boundaries, it’s easy to feel disconnected or overwhelmed.

You might find it helpful to:

  • Set a regular start and finish time
  • Take breaks away from your screen
  • Spend time outside each day
  • Keep your workspace separate if possible
  • Stay connected with colleagues or friends

Coping with depression while working

Depression can make work feel tougher, but small adjustments and support can make a difference.

Simple strategies

  • Break tasks into smaller steps
  • Use a to-do list to reduce worry
  • Focus on one task at a time
  • Take short, regular breaks
  • Move your body gently when you can
  • Limit alcohol, which can worsen low mood
  • Practise a calming evening routine

If work is contributing

You may be able to request reasonable adjustments to help you cope at work. These might include:

  • Flexible hours or remote working
  • Reduced or adjusted workload
  • Quieter or alternative workspace
  • More regular check-ins with your manager

These adjustments exist to help you stay well, not to single you out.

Talking to your employer

Reaching out can feel daunting, but many people find that once they talk, they receive more understanding and support than they expected.

Tips for starting the conversation

  • Choose a quiet moment when you won’t be rushed
  • Share how you’ve been feeling in your own words
  • Explain how it’s affecting your work
  • Suggest adjustments that may help
  • Ask for support if you’re unsure what you need

Employers increasingly understand the importance of mental health and may already have policies or wellbeing schemes in place.

Supporting a colleague

If you’re worried about someone you work with, your kindness could make a real difference.

You can support them by:

  • Listening without judgement
  • Asking how they’ve been feeling
  • Checking in regularly
  • Offering practical help with small tasks
  • Encouraging them to speak to their GP, HR or a mental health charity
  • Respecting their privacy

Unique pressures in the automotive industry

People working in the automotive sector often face long hours, physical strain, customer-facing pressure and fast-paced environments. These factors can make it harder to manage stress and may contribute to low mood or depression.

Ben understands these challenges and offers specialist support for people working in the industry.

How Ben can help

Ben provides free, confidential support to anyone who works or has worked in the automotive industry.

We offer:

  • Emotional support via helpline and webchat.
  • Counselling and tailored mental health programmes.
  • Tools to help manage stress, anxiety and low mood.
  • Financial wellbeing support when money worries are adding pressure.
  • You can also use SilverCloud which is a digital platform with programs to help you manage and improve your health & wellbeing. It’s completely free and includes programs to help with depression, anxiety, sleep and more.

If you’re finding things hard right now, getting in touch could be the first step towards feeling better.

 

Conclusion

Depression can make everyday life feel heavy, especially when work pressures build up. But you don’t have to face it alone. With understanding, the right support and small, manageable changes, things can improve.

Whether you’re struggling yourself or supporting someone else, remember: help is available, and there are people ready to listen.