Depression and Work: Symptoms, Causes and How to Cope

The relationship between depression and work can be complex and bidirectional.

On the one hand, certain working conditions can represent a source of prolonged stress. Excessive workloads, limited control over one’s tasks, conflicts with colleagues or managers, job insecurity, lack of recognition, or difficulty balancing personal and professional life can affect psychological well-being and contribute to the development of depressive symptoms.

On the other hand, pre-existing depressive symptoms can change the way work is experienced. Problems with concentration, fatigue, reduced motivation or difficulty making decisions can make tasks that were previously manageable feel much more demanding.

“The symptoms of work-related depression are not necessarily different from those seen in other depressive conditions. What may differ is the perception that the distress is particularly intense in relation to work, or that certain occupational factors have contributed to its onset,” explains Professor Borroni.

Psychological symptoms

The most common psychological symptoms include:

• depressed mood or persistent sadness;
• loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were previously rewarding;
• feelings of emptiness, helplessness or hopelessness;
• irritability or increased sensitivity to difficulties;
• problems with concentration and memory;
• indecisiveness;
• very negative thoughts about oneself, the future or one’s abilities;
• feelings of guilt or worthlessness.

“In the workplace,” the specialist continues, “these symptoms may appear, for example, as difficulty starting the day, a feeling of no longer being able to perform one’s job properly, or a growing tendency to avoid colleagues, meetings or professional responsibilities.”

Physical and behavioural symptoms

Depressive symptoms can also present through physical symptoms and changes in behaviour. Common manifestations may include:

• persistent fatigue and reduced energy;
• sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or excessive sleep;
• changes in appetite;
• psychomotor slowing or, conversely, increased agitation;
• difficulty keeping to schedules and commitments;
• increased absence from work;
• reduced productivity;
• social withdrawal;
• reduced attention to everyday activities and self-care.

Physical complaints may also occur, including muscle tension, headaches or gastrointestinal symptoms.

“Depression generally does not have a single cause. As with other forms of psychological distress, its development is multifactorial: biological, psychological, relational, environmental and social factors interact with one another.

The work situation may be one of the factors that increases vulnerability or contributes to the development of distress, but it cannot be considered the sole cause. For example, excessive or difficult-to-manage workloads, very intense work rhythms, limited control over one’s tasks, ambiguity around roles and responsibilities, interpersonal conflict, isolationin the workplace, lack of recognition, limited opportunities for professional growth, difficulty maintaining work-life balance, and situations involving discrimination, harassment or bullying behaviours can all represent risk factors.

In addition, certain personality characteristics may interact with workplace difficulties, contributing to the development of depressive symptoms that, in more severe cases, may progress to suicidal behaviour.

People with fragile self-esteem and a strong need for validation and recognition may experience greater difficulty managing conflictual relationships with colleagues or managers, as well as coping with frustrating experiences. These difficulties may contribute to depressive symptoms characterised by self-devaluation, a sense of failure and loss of hope for the future.

Certain work-related events may also represent periods of particular vulnerability: changing jobs, losing employment, or feeling that one’s work is deeply misaligned with one’s abilities, expectations or values can have a significant impact on psychological well-being,” Professor Borroni explains.

Depression after changing jobs

Changing jobs is often seen as a positive event, but it can also represent a significant source of stress.

A new role requires the mobilisation of personal resources: adapting to a new environment, building relationships with new colleagues, and dealing with different responsibilities and expectations can be stimulating challenges, but also potential stressors.

“A person may initially feel less competent, worry about making mistakes, or experience strong pressure to prove their abilities quickly,” the specialist explains. “In most cases, these difficulties are part of the normal adjustment process. However, if the distress is very intense and persists over time, it may be useful to explore the situation further.”

Depression after job loss

Losing a job can be a particularly difficult experience. In addition to the financial consequences, it can disrupt daily routines, social relationships, one’s sense of stability and, in some cases, self-image, contributing to a sense of failure.

“Depression following job loss,” the specialist explains, “may also be influenced by the perception of having lost an important social role or by fear of being unable to find new employment. Again, if depressive symptoms persist and significantly impair daily functioning, a specialist assessment may be appropriate.”

Depression linked to being in the wrong job

It is also possible to experience one’s job as deeply incompatible with one’s personal characteristics, aspirations or values. In these cases, so-called depression linked to being in the wrong job may be associated with the feeling of being trapped, lacking future prospects, or being forced to perform work that feels meaningless.

“If you think you may be experiencing depression related to work, a first step may be to observe carefully what is happening, avoiding both minimising the distress and automatically attributing it to a single cause.

It is important to assess the severity of the symptoms and consider both the work context and the individual’s personal situation. For example, it may be useful to identify which aspects of work are most stressful and, where possible, establish clearer boundaries between work and personal life.”

Practical measures may include:

• maintaining a regular sleep routine;
• following a balanced diet;
• engaging in regular, moderate physical activity;
• trying to avoid social isolation, as social support is an important protective factor.

However, there is an important point to consider: when depressive symptoms significantly interfere with daily functioning, not only at work but also in emotional and interpersonal life, it is necessary to seek help from a psychologist or other mental health professional.

In other words, when a person begins to feel that they are no longer themselves, specialist support is important.

“The choice of intervention depends on the individual situation. In some cases, working on stress management and occupational conditions may be sufficient; in others, psychiatric and/or psychological treatment may be indicated. If thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts or a sense of being unable to keep oneself safe occur, it is important to seek help immediately by contacting emergency services or a healthcare professional,” Professor Borroni explains.

“There is no single answer that applies to everyone. Much depends on the severity of the symptoms, the type of work, the level of responsibility involved, and the extent to which daily functioning is impaired. For some people, continuing to work can be important because it helps maintain routine, social contact and a sense of competence.

For others, however, the workload may temporarily become too difficult to manage. In these cases, it may be necessary, together with the professionals involved, to consider possible workplace adjustments, such as a temporary reduction in workload or a period of leave from work,” Professor Borroni explains.

Depression is a treatable condition, and the most appropriate approach depends on the individual, the work context and the severity of symptoms.

Recognising distress early and seeking help when needed can support both psychological recovery and the development of a more sustainable relationship with work.