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Depression and Own Business

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 52

It has been a hard couple of months. I didn't want to let the customers down, but at the same time I also knew I personally couldn't deliver. Every time I saw a sprinkle of relieve in the depressive episode, I jumped on it to get work done. Maybe that was the wrong decision, as every time I hit a wall. As a result I had a long slow decent into depression.

My reputation has suffered tremendously and that is much more difficult to deal with than the income losses. I am currently wondering whether I should try to rebuilt everything, or move on to something else and keep the current business as a side business.

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 102

Boy I could really relate to this one m. I had my own business too until my last bout with depression. I was a single mom of two, and working two jobs. One was the one I created (contract work with the county), and the other was a paid position (directing elder outreach programs). Both were high stress jobs, but I also loved them both.

Then a bad bout of depression hit and my work began to suffer at both jobs. I started missing a lot of work, and when I was there, the quality of my work had really declined.... my clients could see it too. It was a huge dilema because I knew I was overloaded and my self-care was out the window.... but I really didn't want to let any of it go.

It's funny how our bodies make decisions for us that we don't necessarily agree with.

After working a bit with a wonderful therapist, I decided for my sake (and my children's), that I had to let one of the jobs go. I had a very understanding supervisor at my paid job who offered to up my hours so that I could continue to support my family. I for sure had a grieving period after letting my business go, but I was able to climb out of the depression eventually.

I don't know what the right answer will be for you. I do want you to know that I feel for you. Making these kinds of decisions are not only difficult, but usually involve a big life-change which can be terrifying. So not only are you dealing with depression, but this as well. It's not easy. I hope you have supportive people around you who can help you process this.

Deb

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1022

yup, I hear you Jacques... I definitely could "out run" my depression when I was younger. I guess we just have more energy to start with or something. It does get harder as we age, but in some ways it gets better because we sort of learn on what not to waste our limited energies. A lot of stuff isn't nearly as crucial (or as much in our control) as we think when we are younger.

As for where to go for help.... seems to me like you are already seeking and finding some help. You are here. Yes? And posting even... Give yourself credit for that.

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 52

I guess I have the luck that we are not dependent on the income from my business as my wife has a very good paying position. However, right now businesswise things are getting problematic. I'm going through one of the most severe episodes of depression in years and I haven't delivered anything in almost 2 months.

Tonight I have to go to a business meeting and I don't even want to go. I have to make myself to want to go. I know I'm going to be completely drained after tonight. This is really a far cry from the 18 year old entrepeneur and I was 25 years ago. Eventhough I was already suffering from depressions back then, at least I was able to outrun my depression. I think that is the biggest difference right now, I realize that I need help but I don't know what kind of help I really need or even how to ask for it.

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1022

Hey Jaques,

I sort of have my own business but only have one client who hires me with the understanding that she can't count on me and has to have an alternative plan for when I can't function.

She uses me anyway because I offer my services dirt cheap and when I'm healthy.... I'm really, really good. I provide daycare for my working daughter and in this I am very fortunate.

I can only imagine the terrible pressure of trying to run your own real business without that kind of cushion.

I've worked for a number of small business owners (when I'm healthy... I'm worth it) and they have always given me more slack than I thought they should. Very understanding of my "health issues" and willing to extend extra time and flexibility for me when needed.. I was always the one that gave up on myself. Not them. So, I just share that to encourage you to extend kindness to yourself and ask for help and/or slack .... people are often more understanding of us than we are of ourselves.

I hope there are some other business owners here willing to offer more specific help/ideas that you can use.

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 11226

Hi Jacques,

Your concern for your business will certainly put extra strain on you. Depression is an illiness and it takes time to heal and care for yourself. The extra stress could motivate you but it also could hinder your progress. Be sure to make choices that are right for you and your health.

Working on the program can help. Also, talking to a professional about how you are feeling and the concerns about your work situation could help. They may be able to offer some advice or refer you to appropriate resources.

There is no shame in asking for help or recognizing you need to take time for yourself.

How do you want to address this work situation?

Ashley, Health Educator

Here to help :)

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 52

Hi All,

During the last couple of weeks my work has suffered tremendously. My clients have noticed a lack of quality and only because of previous work, they are giving me slack... but it will hurt my business in the long run. I would like to know whether there are other business owners around, who have been dealing with same problem.

Jacques

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Depression and Own Business