Is depression at work—or—depression in general really gawa-gawa lang or an excuse we use to get away from something we don’t like to talk about or do?
Life is not always rainbows and unicorns. We have problems (personal, family, financial—you name it) that can turn our blissful life gloomy and sour. It gets difficult when our personal struggles add to the stress we experience at work. As a result, it makes us less productive and less motivated that we may end up questioning our purpose.
Nakakatulong pa kaya ako?
May progress ba sa career ko?
Am I doing enough?
Am I still my productive, motivated self?
When we think we’ve finally reached the rock bottom, it’s inevitable for some of us to experience depression at work. Regardless of who we are, depression is not something to ignore or laugh about. It may be “simple” or “shallow” for some people, but it can be fatal when untreated.
If you’ve heard or watched the incident that happened on Eat Bulaga’s Juan for All, All for Juan segment, you know that the remarks that Joey de Leon uttered were detrimental. This just proves that mental health is still neither much of a topic nor a concern yet here in our country.
In celebration of the World Mental Health Month, FilWeb Asia Inc. took its part in raising awareness on mental health issues and asked FilWebers how they avoid stress and anxiety that may lead to depression at work. We hope their answers, experiences, and comforting words could help uplift your soul.
**Disclaimer: You may find answers from unknown respondents, as they wish to keep their identities private.
What are you most anxious about work and how do you cope with it?
“Recognition on job performance. I cope with it by looking at all the photos and beautiful memories I’ve experienced throughout the years in the company.”
“Not being able to deliver (or at least do more of) what is expected of me. I strive to keep doing better everyday.”
Edralin Sanchez
Digital Marketing Officer
“I have an admittedly low tolerance for repetitive mistakes and underperforming peers and subordinates. I also have borderline obsessive-compulsive disorder, which exacerbates my anxieties whenever pressures at work present themselves. I deal with anxiety by leaving the workstation for a few minutes—five minutes, typically—and just go outside. I found out that a change of scenery, even for a few minutes, helps me clear my head and let go of disappointments (and sometimes, spurts of depression) easier.
Another thing that I do may sound unconventional, but is something that I have been doing since my angst-ridden teenage years: I would scribble on a piece of paper all the bad thoughts that I have at the moment—guilt, hatred, contempt, fear—and throw the paper afterwards. It might sound frivolous, but it works on me.”Paul Enicola
Senior Copy Editor
Career Development Department
“Sometimes I am anxious about how I worked, if what I did was okay or not. I cope with it by telling myself to excel on what I do and do it right.”
Dennies Mag-isa
Technical Service Representative
“I’m anxious and worried about the outcome or the quality of my work or if I have done my work correctly and properly. I always feel uneasy every time I think about it. It’s really hard when you think about it. Thinking what others will say, how I will feel and how it will affect myself and my work. I just think of the positive side and pray to God that what I did was right and hope for the better.”
Briton Belarmino
Business Process Associate
Data Research Team
“Getting negative feedback. I just focus on the more positive side rather than those negative things thrown against me, but I check on it and see how I can improve or change it.”
Clerence Bergantiños
Team Leader (Support)
Career Development Department
“If I’m doing my job well and if it’s meeting the company’s criteria. I try to enjoy as much as possible while I’m working, because I love what I’m doing.”
Leona Cañeda
Graphic Designer/Team Coordinator
Outsource-Philippines
“I am mostly anxious about how often I fail to accomplish tasks and not being able to do better the next time and always end up failing despite all efforts and time extended to make sure I’ve done everything right. How do I cope with it? I try not to be too hard on myself, telling that ‘It’s OK, you are bound to make mistakes. TAO ka lang.’”
Charmaine Cruzgarcia
Customer Care Specialist
“I have been experiencing this kind of feeling ever since I was a kid. I thought it was just normal because all of us can be mad and at the same time lonely at some point or for some reason/s. Growing up I am carrying myself feeling miserable, depressed, and tragic. All of these have no reasons at first until my friends even my mom noticed about it, until I was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder. That is why my life became more difficult to handle. But life is precious and beautiful they said. So I keep on breathing. I am keeping myself busy by doing the activities that I love such as watching movies on Iflix, take landscape photographs, bond with my colleagues, spending money to buy new clothes, bags, and shoes even shopping online. Not just that. I am trying so hard to be jolly and enthusiastic in everything just to cope up with this.”
Kristofferson Brandon Silverio
Account Executive
Account Management Department
”Based on past years of experience, dealing with toxic/difficult colleagues gives me the most mental distress.”
Reynald Espuelas
Creative Design Specialist
What can you advise to your fellow employees who are experiencing depression at work and to the people who are going through depression in general?
“Depression isn’t just a phase; it is a mental disorder. Anybody undergoing depression should never feel like they are burdened with having to face the world alone. Each of us should make sure we never close our doors—especially emotionally—to those who need someone with whom they could confide their deepest and darkest thoughts.”
Paul Enicola
Senior Copy Editor
Career Development Department
“Dear fellow employees, don’t let anyone or anything steal your joy and hope. Spend more time in prayer like you’ve never done before. Pour out your heart to Jesus. There’s power in prayer. God is in control, believe that. Crying is OK only for a certain period of time. Keep moving forward. God’s plan for you is way bigger and amazing than every setback and trial that you may be going through right now. Be surrounded by people who genuinely love you, those who will pray for you from their hearts. Join fellowships (We have it every Thursday, 4pm after shift. You’re welcome to join us). Listen to worship songs, not bitter love songs. God can turn every mourning into joy. Eat more tuna, too.”
Edralin Sanchez
Digital Marketing Officer
“Don’t think of it too much. Ease your mind. Relax yourself and do positive things that will lessen the possible effect of depression. And most importantly, ask for God’s guidance. Pray in everything that we do, ask Him to give us more strength and more patience in doing our work.”
Briton Belarmino
Business Process Associate
Data Research Team
“Whatever happens, don’t resort to suicide if you are depressed. It happens to me from time to time. My family has a history in depression. When I’m depressed my solution is as much as possible, gather my friends and enjoy their company.”
Dennies Mag-isa
Technical Service Representative
“Spend more time on things that would satisfy you the most or would give a feeling of greatness like doing your favorite sports or games, because that would serve as an outlet. You can divert your emotions there instead of totally being depressed.”
Clerence Bergantiños
Team Leader (Support)
Career Development Department
“For my fellow employees out there, win the fight and keep on smiling. Remember peace begins with a smile. I know you can do it and take it as a challenge. This is our life, our own fight and there is no such thing as losing in our own battle.”
Kristofferson Brandon Silverio
Account Executive
Account Management Department
“Smile and be happy. Each one of us was wonderfully created by God. Don’t let other people take your happiness because life is too short. Make the most out of it!”
Anne Michelle Peregrina
Manager
Career Development Department
“Pray. Seek the help of your family and friends, your close and trusted ones. Never be afraid to speak and talk to God, your friends, and family. You can get through this. 🙂”
Diana Reglos
Team Leader
Career Development Department
“God is always the answer!
Deuteronomy 4:30
When you are in distress and all these things have come upon you, in the latter days you will return to the LORD your God and listen to His voice.”Reynald Espuelas
Creative Design Specialist
We may not know the burdens you carry or the problems you face. But just know that your life is so precious to be wasted. Don’t look at your life’s low points as end points. Rather, use them to understand the complexity of life—that we all may be different, but we all have trials and struggles. It all matters on how we handle it, such as the way we deal with every unos. Whenever you feel empty, remember that it’s you who’s going to fill yourself up first before others do.
FilWeb Asia believes that mental health is as important as our physical health. Let’s not only strive for success and greatness, but wellness of the mind and soul as well.
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