Feeling Like You Might Get Depressed Due to Work Stress | Signs of Reaching Your Limit and the Option of Changing Jobs
"I might be depressed." The moment you think that, your mind is already being pushed to the limit. Even though you feel physical and mental abnormalities caused by work stress, are you telling yourself that you are "still okay"? This article explains the "signs of reaching your limit" that precede depression and the option of changing your environment.
"Signs of reaching your limit" caused by work stress
Signs that appear in the body
・Unable to get up in the morning, or waking up abnormally early
・Loss of appetite, or binge eating and drinking
・Headaches, stomachaches, or heart palpitations
・Fatigue that doesn't go away even on days off
・Sudden weight gain or weight loss
Signs that appear in the mind
・No longer interested in things you used to enjoy
・Sudden crying spells
・Feeling like "I am no good"
・Unable to feel hope for the future
・Feeling anxiety or fear when thinking about work
Signs that appear in behavior
・Increased tardiness or absenteeism
・Increased mistakes
・Finding it burdensome to meet people
・Increased intake of alcohol or caffeine
If multiple of these signs apply to you, you are "not okay." If left untreated, there is a high risk of progressing to clinical depression.
What to do if you feel like you might get depressed
1. Visit a psychosomatic medicine clinic
For those who think "it's not bad enough to go to a psychiatrist," early consultation is important. Psychosomatic clinics can also be used for "prevention." If you consult them at a mild stage, you can prevent the symptoms from worsening through medication or counseling.
2. Talk to someone you trust
If you keep it all to yourself, negative thoughts will continue to loop. Sometimes, just saying "I'm struggling" out loud can help you organize your feelings.
3. Write down the causes of your stress
Try writing down on paper "what is painful." Your boss's words and actions, workload, interpersonal relationships, anxiety about the future—writing them down specifically will clarify the problems and reveal ways to deal with them.
Changing jobs is not "running away," it is "treatment"
If the cause of your stress lies in your workplace environment, changing that environment (= changing jobs) is the most effective "treatment." Of course, I am not saying you should quit right now. First, you should reduce the burden in front of you, such as by taking a leave of absence or using paid leave.
However, even if you rest and recover, there is a high possibility that you will get the same result if you return to the same environment. In many cases, you need to change the environment itself for a fundamental solution.
By the way, you might be worried about whether you can job hunt while feeling physically and mentally unwell, but just consulting with an agent is fine to start with. If you tell them, "I don't intend to change jobs right away, but I want to know my future options," you can proceed at a pace that is comfortable for you. Just knowing that you have options can alleviate the intense impatience and anxiety of feeling like you "have no choice but to cling to your current environment."
Services You Can Rely On When Your Mind Is at Its Limit
POSIWILL CAREER
A coaching service that helps you organize your career concerns from the ground up. They respond carefully even to consultations about "reaching your limit due to work stress." You can start by putting your inner confusion into words.
Click here for a free consultation with POSIWILL CAREER (Official Website)
[Detailed Explanation] Click here for reviews and testimonials of POSIWILL CAREER
Purpose Dock/Middle
For those in their 30s and older. They will think together with you about questions like "Should I continue my current job?" or "What kind of job would suit me if I were to change jobs?"
Click here for a free consultation with Purpose Dock/Youth (Official Website)
[Detailed Explanation] Click here for reviews and testimonials of Purpose Dock/Youth
Self-Care to Protect Yourself from Stress
Even before you start job hunting, there is self-care you can do starting today.
1. Write down 3 things that went well today
Before going to bed, make it a habit to write down three small good things that happened that day. "Lunch was delicious," "I got a seat on the train"—anything, no matter how small, is fine. This has the effect of gradually correcting negative thought patterns.
2. Move your body
Light exercise has a significant effect on mental health. A 15-minute walk every day is enough. Moving your body increases serotonin in the brain, which stabilizes your mood.
3. Reduce time spent on social media
Seeing others' glamorous posts on social media makes it easy to compare yourself and feel down. Especially when you are mentally struggling, consciously distance yourself from social media.
4. Create time to "not think"
Consciously creating time when you don't think about work—while bathing, walking, or cooking—serves as rest for your brain.
Taking action at this stage, when you feel like you might get depressed, is actually a very wise decision. If you wait until you are fully depressed, it will take a long time to recover. If you can change your environment now, there is a high possibility that you can avoid a serious situation.
Changing jobs may not solve everything, but knowing that you have options will definitely give you peace of mind. Start by consulting a professional to learn that "I have these options." Even just that should ease your sense of being trapped.
If you are currently employed and at your limit, first consider the option of "escaping"
"I want to quit because my mind will break if I stay like this. But I'm scared of my boss and can't bring myself to say I'm resigning..." "I know they will try to stop me because of the labor shortage."
If you are currently in this situation and find yourself crying on your way to work every morning, you should prioritize "safely leaving your current environment" over job hunting. If you wait until your mind reaches its limit, you will lose the energy even to look for a new job.
◆ Gaia Law Office | Resignation Agency Service
For those who have strong fears of legal trouble, such as "I might be sued for damages by the company" or "I have unpaid overtime, but I'm too scared to claim it," a resignation agency service provided by lawyers is the best option.
Unlike general resignation agencies, because a lawyer acts as your representative, they can respond with legal authority to unfair attempts by the company to stop you or threats. It is the most reliable and safe option to protect your mind when it has been pushed to the limit.
Click here for a free consultation with Gaia Law Office (Official Website)
(→ Click here for a detailed review)
Summary
If you feel like you might get depressed due to work stress, the best thing to do is not to "endure it" but to "take action." Seeing a psychiatrist, talking to someone you trust, and choosing to change your environment are all options. It is okay to take it one step at a time, so please start with what you can do today. You have the right to work in a healthy and happy environment.
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Career services that can help when your mental health is suffering
UZUZ
When your mind and body are worn down by workplace relationships or a harsh working environment, you may feel terrified that you will repeat the same mistakes in your next job. Honestly, it is natural to feel anxious. "UZUZ (for second-time new graduates)" is a job support service that empathizes with such past bitter experiences and trauma, and takes the time to help you regain your confidence. Because they strictly exclude companies with high turnover rates, you can start your next chapter with peace of mind while giving your heart a rest.
Features
Thoroughly excludes companies with high turnover rates or harsh working environments based on their own unique criteria
Conducts careful counseling that takes many times longer than other companies to unravel worries from the root
Does not dismiss your background of short-term employment or lack of experience, but converts them into strengths you can use next
Focuses not just on formal interview preparation, but on dialogue that eases the fear of working
Recommended for people like this
People in their 20s who have had their spirits broken at their previous job and feel strong anxiety or fear about their next job
People who want to absolutely avoid exploitative companies and find a workplace where they can work long-term with peace of mind
People who want a professional to listen to their worries thoroughly at their own pace first
Click here for a free consultation
Resignation Agency Jobs
When you are in an extreme state where you think, "I've reached my limit, but I'm too scared of my boss to say I want to quit," or "I don't know what will happen if I say I'm quitting," it is extremely difficult to break through the situation on your own. "Resignation Agency Jobs" is a service that takes over the entire process of communicating your intention to resign to your company on your behalf. Because they collaborate with labor unions, they can also negotiate with the company, and they have a system in place to support your exhausted heart, including staff who are qualified psychological counselors.
Features
Handles all contact with the company and resignation procedures on your behalf, allowing you to quit without ever having to face your boss
Because we collaborate with labor unions, we can negotiate for legitimate rights such as taking paid leave.
We have experts with professional counselor qualifications on staff who can provide mental support.
Since our services are supervised by legal counsel, you can proceed with the resignation process legally and safely.
Recommended for people like this
Those who are at their mental or physical limit and do not want to go to work starting tomorrow.
Those who are afraid of being held back by their boss or facing harassment and cannot bring themselves to resign.
Those who want to completely eliminate the mental damage caused by interactions regarding resignation.
Click here for a free consultation
Gaia Law Office: Resignation Agency Service
If you are worried about unpaid overtime or are being threatened with potential lawsuits from your company, the fear of legal trouble—beyond just wanting to quit—can keep you up at night. The resignation agency service provided by Gaia Law Office acts as your legal representative. We serve as a powerful shield to legally shut down unreasonable demands from your company and ensure you can cut ties with them for good.
Features
Because lawyers intervene directly, we can completely prevent unfair retention attempts or harassment from the company.
You can also request legal negotiations regarding unpaid wages, overtime pay, and retirement benefits.
Even if the company hints at litigation, we can handle it appropriately as legal experts.
We can ensure a resolution even for resignations involving complex labor issues that private agencies cannot handle.
Recommended for people like this
Those who are being treated harshly at a 'black company' and are worried about potential legal trouble.
Those who do not want to suffer in silence and wish to properly settle unpaid overtime and paid leave before quitting.
Those who seek certainty, as private resignation agencies may not be taken seriously by the company.
Click here for a free consultation
Resignation Agency: Soku-Yame (Immediate Quit)
It can happen to anyone that the threads of your mind and body suddenly snap, leading to an emergency situation where you think, 'I just want to escape from this environment right now, as soon as possible.' As the name suggests, 'Resignation Agency: Soku-Yame' is a resignation support service that specializes in speed and ease. By skipping complex procedures and allowing you to consult via LINE or other methods, it can realize your resignation as early as the same day, saving you from a desperate situation where you can no longer endure.
Features
The process from consultation to the completion of resignation procedures is extremely speedy, allowing for resignation as early as the same day.
Consultations are accepted 24/7 via LINE or email, responding even to late-night SOS calls.
The pricing is relatively affordable and easy to understand, making it accessible even if you are worried about your available funds.
Specializes in cutting ties with the company as quickly as possible rather than handling complex negotiations.
Recommended for people like this
Those who have exceeded their mental limits and absolutely cannot go to work tomorrow morning.
Those who prioritize speed and want to cut ties with their current workplace as quickly as possible.
Those who are troubled late at night or early in the morning and are in a state of needing someone to help them immediately.
Click here for a free consultation
POSIWILL CAREER
Your current job is painful, but looking at job change sites doesn't feel right. Are you falling into a feeling of being lost in the dark, unable to understand how you want to live or what you value in the first place? 'POSIWILL CAREER' is a career coaching service that does not premise job introductions. Professional trainers will help you take stock of your life, restore your fundamental self-esteem, and rebuild a solid life foundation.
Features
A service that faces fundamental worries about how to live, rather than introducing job openings.
Through one-on-one dialogue with professional trainers, you can verbalize your strengths and values that you had lost sight of.
Provides support to break free from low self-esteem through a systematic program based on psychology.
Allows you to consider all options, such as changing jobs, staying in your current position, or becoming independent, on a flat basis.
Recommended for people like this
People who don't know what they really want to do and feel lost in their life or career
People who lack the energy to even start job hunting and want to first organize their thoughts and deepen their self-understanding
People who feel crushed by vague anxiety about the future and want a professional to walk alongside them
Click here for a free consultation
Yumecarry Agent
When you keep getting rejected in interviews or screened out during the document review stage, it can feel as though you as a person are being rejected. However, everyone feels lost at first. "Yumecarry Agent" is a recruitment agency supported by active interviewers and hiring managers. Because they kindly and carefully teach you what companies are actually looking for, you can approach the selection process with confidence without getting hurt unnecessarily.
Features
Consistent support from active corporate interviewers acting as career advisors
Uncovering potential you didn't even know you had from the realistic perspective of the hiring field
Receiving concrete measures to eliminate fear of interviews, rather than just superficial know-how
Focusing on choosing an environment where you can work with peace of mind for a long time by preventing mismatches after changing jobs
Recommended for people like this
People who have lost confidence due to repeated rejection notices and have a strong fear of interviews
People who don't know their own strengths and want objective advice on how they are evaluated by companies
People who want to proceed with their job search at their own pace while being supported by a professional's perspective
Click here for a free consultation
Backup Career
It is a natural feeling to be exhausted by the harsh sales quotas on the front lines or the endless customer service and to wish to work in a quieter, more stable environment supporting others. "Backup Career" is a recruitment agency specializing in back-office jobs such as human resources, accounting, and general affairs. Using their unique aptitude diagnostic, they will work with you to find an environment where you can work calmly and for a long time.
Features
Specializing in job openings for back-office tasks such as human resources, accounting, general affairs, and administration
Find the job type that best fits your characteristics through a free job aptitude test
Boasts a very high retention rate of 93.5% after joining a company, with a strength in selecting calm workplaces without mismatches
Provides a thorough support system for those aiming to change careers to administrative roles from no prior experience
Recommended for people like this
Those who feel they have reached their limit with sales quotas or interpersonal stress and want to work in a supporting role behind the scenes
Those who want to work long-term in a stable environment with a good company atmosphere and low mental pressure
Those who want to build a new career by leveraging their aptitude, even without experience in administrative work
Click here for a free consultation
Massmedian
While the creative industry and the front lines of marketing are rewarding, it is not uncommon for people to become emotionally worn out due to intense work and harsh feedback. "Massmedian" is a career change support service specializing in the advertising, web, and mass media industries. Advisors who deeply understand the hardships and stress unique to the industry will propose a new stage where your talents can be properly evaluated and you can work comfortably without being burned out.
Features
Possesses an overwhelming number of job openings and specialized knowledge focused on the advertising, web, marketing, and mass media industries
Professionals who are well-versed in the worries and actual working conditions unique to creators and marketers will provide consultation
Also excels at helping people transition from intense work environments to in-house departments at operating companies with a good work-life balance
Helps you regain confidence by objectively evaluating your past achievements and portfolio
Recommended for people like this
Those who are exhausted by the intense work and interpersonal relationships in the industry and are looking for an environment where they can work calmly while utilizing their skills
Those who feel that their creative talents and achievements are not being properly evaluated in their current workplace
Those who want to confide their worries to a professional career advisor who understands the industry's circumstances well
Click here for a free consultation
Purpose Dock/Youth
When you start wondering in your 20s, 'Is this really the job I should be doing?', you may feel even more anxious seeing those around you living fulfilling lives. 'Purpose Dock/Youth' is a long-term, hands-on career mentoring service specifically for people in their 20s. It is not just about job change support; it acts as a guide to help you think about your ideal way of life together, reflect regularly, and realize a career that is uniquely yours and unwavering.
Features
A long-term, hands-on service that supports the concerns of those in their 20s and confirms career direction through regular interviews
Allows you to neutrally consider all options, including not just changing jobs, but also succeeding in your current role, side hustles, or becoming independent
Mentors who are experienced business owners or managers provide objective and warm advice
Deepens self-understanding to fundamentally resolve the anxiety and unease caused by comparing yourself to others
Recommended for people like this
People in their 20s who have been working for a few years and feel a vague sense of discomfort or a dead end in their current job
People who want to organize their future direction at their own pace without being rushed by a recruitment agent
People who do not want to suffer in loneliness and want a trusted, neutral professional to be their long-term mentor
Click here for a free consultation
Purpose Dock/Middle
As people reach their 30s and 40s, responsibilities increase while they lose sight of their sense of purpose, often leading to what is known as a mid-life crisis where they feel empty, wondering, 'Will I continue working like this until retirement?' 'Purpose Dock/Middle' is a career mentoring service that supports the deep concerns of this mid-career generation. You can affirm your life so far and take the time with a professional to find the answer to how you can live the rest of your career in a way that is true to yourself.
Features
A long-term, hands-on mentoring service specialized in the career stagnation and concerns unique to those in their 30s and 40s
Looking ahead to the 100-year life era, you can design a strategy that includes not only the path as a company employee but also independence and side hustles
Experienced experts and qualified professionals become your dedicated mentors, helping you organize your inner confusion through regular dialogue
Supports the realization of a work style that is right for you from a medium- to long-term perspective, rather than making a job change the immediate goal
Recommended for people like this
People in their 30s and 40s who have lost sight of the meaning of their work while being overwhelmed by the pressure of management roles and daily tasks
People who feel anxious about their market value and future career path and want to start over from fundamental self-understanding
People who want an ally who will walk alongside them for a long time, rather than the short-term support of a recruitment agency
Click here for a free consultation
TechGo
Are you feeling worn out both mentally and physically while writing code every day as an IT engineer, being chased by deadlines, and not receiving fair recognition? "TechGo" is a recruitment agency specializing in IT engineers. Advisors who know the reality of development sites inside and out will accurately evaluate your skills and guide you to a workplace where you can achieve a better working environment and a higher salary, helping you rediscover the passion for technology you may have lost.
Features
Completely specialized in job openings for the IT industry and engineering roles, allowing for highly professional career consultations
Advisors with backgrounds in mega-ventures and IT departments are on staff, possessing a deep understanding of the hardships and realities of the field
They negotiate with companies on your behalf to help you escape poor working environments and aim for fair evaluation and salary increases
Because your tech stack is evaluated objectively, it is easier to regain confidence as an engineer
Recommended for people like this
Engineers who are exhausted by endless tasks and strict deadlines and want to move to a company with a better environment
People who feel their technical skills are not being fairly evaluated and want to know their appropriate market value from a professional perspective
People who have no energy or time left for job hunting and want to safely leave condition negotiations and interview scheduling to someone else
Click here for a free consultation
In-house SE Job Navigation
If you are tired of unreasonable demands in client-site residency or contract development and endless troubleshooting, and even feel like you want to escape from system development, it is by no means because you are weak. "In-house SE Job Navigation" is a service specializing in job changes to become an in-house systems engineer who supports their own company's systems. By leaving client work that is chased by deadlines and finding an environment where you can face systems calmly at your own company's pace, you can regain peace of mind as an engineer.
Features
Specializes in job openings for in-house SEs and in-house engineers, where there is less stress from deadlines and client-site residency
They propose companies with a good work-life balance while understanding the harshness of client work.
They provide extensive support in finding environments where you can demonstrate your potential as an in-house systems engineer, even with limited experience.
They provide realistic internal information such as turnover rates and overtime hours, minimizing gaps after joining the company.
Recommended for people like this
Those who feel they have reached their limit with the harsh working environments of client-site residency or SIers and want to move to in-house development where they can work calmly.
Those who want to be freed from the pressure of dealing with external clients and shift to a job that supports internal staff through IT.
Those who want to continue working as an engineer while reducing overtime and ensuring sufficient personal time and physical and mental health.
Click here for a free consultation
Build Job
The construction and architecture industry is a world where, due to long working hours and a harsh workplace atmosphere, the mind often reaches its limit before the body does. "Build Job" is a job change support service specialized in the construction and architecture industry. Because they deeply understand the industry's unique circumstances and hardships, they will work with you to find a calm environment where you can escape your current harsh workplace and work in a human-like way while utilizing your experience.
Features
Specializes in job openings in the construction, architecture, and facilities industries, and is well-versed in industry-specific concerns and work styles.
Supports job changes from harsh environments with few holidays or excessive overtime to companies with well-established working conditions.
Consultations are also available for shifting from demanding jobs like site supervision or construction management to relatively calmer roles such as office work or design.
They carefully select and introduce companies where you can work comfortably for a long time with a view toward your long-term career.
Recommended for people like this
Those who feel they have reached their physical and mental limits due to the harsh interpersonal relationships at the site and endless long working hours.
Those who want to utilize their industry knowledge and experience but work at a company with a better work-life balance.
Those who cannot confide their worries to anyone and want to first talk to a professional who understands the industry situation.
Click here for a free consultation
Kaigo Batake
Many people, exhausted by the business world where they are chased by numbers and quotas, turn their eyes toward the world of welfare, wanting to do work that is more directly helpful to others and appreciated. "Kaigo Batake" is a specialized service that supports those taking on the challenge of a nursing care career from scratch. They have a system where you can aim to obtain qualifications for free while working, even without prior experience, offering the option to step away from the stress of profit-first mentalities and heal your heart while working in a warm environment of human connection.
Features
Handles a wealth of job openings that accept applicants with no experience in the nursing care industry, making it easy to make a fresh start.
Offers a support system to obtain nursing care qualifications for free while working, allowing you to improve your skills without financial burden.
Dedicated coordinators provide regular follow-ups even after you start working, making it easy to consult about interpersonal relationship concerns.
You can find a workplace environment that values the warmth of caring for people rather than profits or quotas.
Recommended for people like this
Those tired of the pressure of numbers and competition in general companies who want to fulfill their hearts with work that is directly appreciated by others.
Those who are anxious about changing careers from a different industry but want to gain a specialized skill and stability while earning qualifications.
Those who are afraid of being isolated in a new workplace and want an ally who will provide solid support even after they start working.
Click here for a free consultation
Carelift
As you reach your 40s and 50s, you may find yourself feeling stuck, with your self-esteem hitting rock bottom as you think, "There is no place for me in my current company" or "I have no skills to be proud of." "Carelift" is career coaching specialized for the middle-senior generation in their 40s and 50s. A dedicated trainer of the same generation will help you deeply inventory your life so far and uncover hidden strengths you hadn't noticed yourself, helping you regain the confidence to move forward once again.
Features
Experienced trainers of the same generation who can deeply empathize with the worries of those in their 40s and 50s will walk alongside you.
Through thorough self-analysis, you will discover strengths and market value you were not aware of, helping you recover your confidence.
It is not just about successful job changes, but about fundamentally redesigning your career plan to realize your ideal life.
They teach you a way of thinking that views your background and age not as a bottleneck, but as a positive breadth of experience.
Recommended for people like this
People in their 40s and 50s who feel unappreciated at their current workplace and are starting to give up on themselves, thinking it is too late for new challenges due to their age.
People who have lost confidence because their job search is not going well and want someone to objectively point out their strengths.
People who want to stop worrying in isolation and would like to have a thorough consultation with a professional of the same generation about how to live the second half of their lives.
Click here for a free consultation