Depression: Coping with life's down times

Feeling low is a natural part of life. But if you have problems coping  with life's down times, or are experiencing 'bad' emotions on an ongoing basis, it may indicate a problem like depression.

I was inspired to write this story when, listening to the radio recently, I heard a report on depression. A fact that startled me was that more Australians die from suicide each year than from road fatalities.

A lot of articles on Flying Solo are positive, upbeat and all about achievement. However, the depression report  got me thinking about all the people out there who are working hard to fulfill their dreams of running their small businesses, but struggling from time to time and not always coming out on top.

It has become more common for people to openly admit they suffer from depression or some other mental illness. There have been plenty of high profile cases, and some that have sadly ended in suicide. The real flip side is that the profile of depression is being raised and people feel more confident to seek attention and hopefully go on to lead a fulfilling life.

So the question is how does this impact us soloists?

By definition, soloists spend most of their time working alone. Running a business can be both a lot of hard work and stressful. We can be under a lot of pressures like making financial targets, meeting deadlines...or simply the pressure we put on ourselves to achieve.

And sometimes things can go wrong! Whether it is missing out on a big job, a tax audit, expenses swallowing up revenue, not enough customers, personal issues or simply just a bad patch.

Being sad or down is a normal reaction to negative situations in our lives and we normally bounce back in hours or days. Depression tends to be a more persistent condition when someone cannot just simply 'snap out' of feeling that way.

Depression is a complex issue, but the simple message I want to convey is that there is business support, through websites like Flying Solo, small business groups, business networks, support from family and friends, where the downward spiral can be stopped early. Don’t be afraid to get out there and network, try new things and share ideas.

Feeling down, noticing things repeatedly going bad and retreating into negative lifestyle habits are possible indicators of depression.

But don’t be embarrassed or afraid, get out there and get help. A good place to start can be a group like, LifeLine.

Here are some specific tips:

1. Don’t be scared to admit that your business isn’t going well. There is most likely a solution and sometimes hitting a bad patch is the dawning of something new.
2. Remember to take time out. Even if your business is struggling, new ideas can blossom while you are resting or having fun.
3. There is support out there. We are soloists, but that doesn’t mean we are alone.
4. Try a business mentor or life coach to help get your business and/or life on track.
5. Give counseling a go. It is a fantastic way to work through issues of all types.
6. Remember that being depressed isn’t a sign of weakness.
7. Aim for a healthy and varied diet and make sure that you eat regularly.
8. Try and get plenty of regular exercise. Exercise helps to raise your metabolism and releases all sorts of “feel good” hormones.
9. Make sure you get plenty of quality sleep and develop a regular sleeping pattern.
10. Talk to someone. Ask for help.

Useful websites

www.beyondblue.org.au
www.depressionet.com.au
www.reachout.com.au
www.lifeline.com.au

• Published 29 January 07
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15 comments | Add your own 1 2 3 | Next» View all»

• As an accountant I get to ask all sorts of intrusive questions - and "hows it going" can be answered many ways. I always amazed at how often people struggle along alone. The relief at being able to share, to put things into perspective, to get a sense of a forward plan, of knowing that others have been there, is momentous.
  
  Denise Maffey CA from Kumeu NZ

• Hi Justin,
  Great article! As someone who spends a lot of time listening to people's stories about depression and workplace stress I fully support your comments and advice. Thank you for helping to keep the information and education flowing.
  I'd also like to encourage anyone who is feeling low and finding it difficult to feel "normal" again to seek professional help. Your GP is a great place to start. Ellen Jackson - Psychologist and Flying Solo Contributor from Sydney, Australia

• Hi Justin, I especially like the idea of joining a few common interest groups - whether it be a gym, a tennis or golf group, a cooking class - the endorphins from regular physical exercise combined with the new friends you'll make will make you realise that every day is a gift. If you're feeling unable to help yourself, please start clicking on the links that Justin has provided and pick up the phone - I fully agree with Ellen that sometimes a helping hand from a professional is essential, so please call one now! Grant Hyman from Sydney | Read my articles

• Great article Justin and very true! Depression is definately something best "nipped in the bud" where possible because sadly it does get worse the longer it goes untreated.
  A few years ago I found a fantastic free depression resource for understanding and treating depression, hopefully it may help someone reading this article the way it helped me at the time - http://www.clinical-depression.co.uk/learning_path.htm
  Seeing a doctor can also be an important first step, if the depression is being caused by a simple case or seratonin depletion then anti-depressants can be a life-saver, literally. Harmony from Newcastle, Australia

• Hi Justin - thanks for keeping it real. Being positive is important, but it's only part of the story. Feelings of isolation is a big issue for many who work from home. They tend to dive on their partner as soon as they walk through the door from being at the office all day. The partner wants quiet, the soloist wants to talk! Grant's suggestion of joining common interests groups is a good one - not just for your well-being, but also for your relationship... Megan Hills from Brisbane | Read my articles

• Hi Justin, it was good of you to acknowledge and bring to light such an epidemic. I would like to offer that Hypnotherapy is one of the best methods for dealing with depression. It is important to act quickly because once the financial spiral takes hold it is very difficult and can take a long time to get back on top when faced with debts due to being unable to work. Fiorella Martin. Fiorella Martin from Perth Western Australia

15 comments | Add your own 1 2 3 | Next» View all»

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