How My Work At Home Job Was The Key To Overcoming Depression

Landing a work at home job was the first step to overcoming depression. Attorneys are notorious for suffering from work related depression and I was no different. Mine was compounded by the fact that I was constantly a wife away from her husband, and a mom away from her daughter. My job was not only wrecking my lifestyle, it was destroying me from the inside out. Let me share with you how switching to working at home helped me:

I Had More Control

When youre in a downward spiral, its often due to the fact that you feel that you no longer have control. That was a big issue for me, and reporting to work every day outside of the home amounted to giving my employer complete control over my life. I had no sense of freedom or empowerment.
Working from home for an employer was a lot different. I didnt achieve the freedom that entrepreneurs experience, but I had regained some control of my life. I worked in my home environment where I felt comfortable and safe. I was in arms reach of my daughter if there was an emergency. I was home to have lunch with her. I worked for someone, but I felt more freedom and more in control.

I Slept Better

Cutting down on my commute increased the time I had to sleep. I could take care of my home responsibilities during the time that was normally eaten up by a commute, and I could go to bed earlier. Sleep is crucial to overcoming depression. The more exhausted I was, the more I felt overwhelmed by my depressed feelings. The difference before and after working outside the home was literally night and day in this area of sleep. And Im not just referring to overnight sleep. I could also take naps. Try doing that when you work outside the home and see how long you have a job.

My Diet Improved

There were many days when I threw together meals because I just didnt have the time. I also used that as an excuse to grab fast food on many occasions. My physical health suffered because of poor eating habits, and consuming high salts and sugars kicked my depression into high gear. Im sure that there are many workers with jobs outside the home who eat healthy. Theres no question though, that having access to your kitchen and more time to plan and prepare meals because you work at home removes some of the challenges to eating healthy foods.

I Could Get Support

The people I needed support from were the most available during the daytime when I would normally be working. My moms group met in the mornings, my extended family was busy with their own families in the evenings when I got off work, and so finding a regular time to meet people in person became difficult. Phone calls and emails dont cut it when youre where I was. I needed a pat on the back, a hug, a smile. Human interaction with people I trusted that could support me through it was important. My work outside the home made that difficult.

Overcoming depression may take more than switching your job or your job environment, but it can be an important step in your journey. Consider a work at home job so that you can have a lifestyle that aids the healing process.