Signs of Depression of Sandwich Generation & 3 Prevention Methods
Recently, perhaps the most shocking news was the depression-related death of Coco Lee. The departure of a goddess symbolizes the stress we are currently facing.
If you're looking to understand workplace burnout, check out this article from Aniday!
Where Does the Pressure Come From?
In developmental psychology, there's a term called the "sandwich generation," and in career theory, there's a concept known as the "career rainbow," both indicating that our lives are far from easy.
The "sandwich generation" refers to middle-aged individuals who are sandwiched between caring for elderly parents and raising young children while juggling work and household responsibilities. In the workplace, the once vibrant "career rainbow" is often overshadowed. Many find themselves being both parents and children, working, pursuing professional development, participating in religious or social groups, trying to exercise or rest – a daily hustle.
In this environment, the career rainbow loses its brilliance. Balancing various roles in life puts immense pressure on individuals. A small mistake under such stress can lead to significant issues in the workplace. In such cases, my emergency employee support plan will be activated immediately!
Pressure is Everywhere
Everyone knows a million is a million, but do you truly understand the stressors affecting you? Are you aware when you're not happy or feeling stuck?
Stress can arise from various life changes, such as divorce, loss of loved ones, financial difficulties, illness, or any shifts like changing schools, jobs, moving, temporary economic hardship, etc. It often leads to short-term stress that needs lifestyle adjustments for stabilization. This is akin to throwing a stone into a water bucket – it creates ripples but eventually returns to calm.
First, Recognize the Pressure to Deal with It
Having stress in life – what to do? Fortunately, nowadays, companies increasingly consider employees as assets, and human resources policies offer more flexibility and strategic support for employees feeling a bit stuck.
So, when you start feeling uneasy, things don't seem right, and irritability sets in, you might be reaching your limit! First, seek medical help to treat acute symptoms. You must confront work, family, and life challenges with a clear mind and stable emotions!
Three Groups of Stress Symptoms
Nine stress symptoms can be divided into three types:
Emotional Symptoms
Low mood, lack of interest, fatigue, self-blame, suicidal thoughts, and difficulty concentrating (generally, feeling uncomfortable, tired, and unhappy!)
Physical Symptoms
Changes in eating and sleeping patterns (poor appetite, poor sleep), slow physical movement
Pain Symptoms
Sometimes, stress causes the body to respond with pain, ranging from head to toe! There may also be digestive symptoms (constipation or irritable bowel syndrome). But please note, if an elderly person experiences pain symptoms, don't think they're just being difficult or depressed; sometimes, it's due to physiological causes, such as knee joint degeneration or leg muscle strain! To diagnose pain caused by depression, physiological causes must be ruled out!
Preventing Depression
Depression is truly the final symptom; can emotional conditions that cannot be intervened and treated early?
Below are three quick and effective methods:
Learn to See the World Positively
For example, if someone talking a lot bothers you, they might be anxious and trying to help you avoid mistakes in life! If you find it challenging to see everything positively, at least try to be objective. Don't always wear dark glasses and see everything as unpleasant!
Golden Notebook: Gratitude Journal
Record anything beautiful in your life, such as: "Today the sun is shining, and the clothes dried quickly! Today even has a new ice cream flavor!" This practice helps remove the "depressive shades" and teaches you to view things positively or neutrally. Day by day, week by week, and month by month, you'll see how beautiful life is.
Red Notebook: Self-Created Happiness Diary
If you are truly too busy, chaotic, and can't find anything beautiful in life, create them yourself! Happiness doesn't need to be sought; who said it can't be created? When tired and uncomfortable, drink a sweet drink, stand in the corridor to breathe in the fresh air, immerse yourself in a bath, sleep well, or talk to God – all are good! The method is limitless as long as it's effective!
We hope this article from Aniday is helpful to you.
