Greetings, esteemed questioner.
I extend a sense of warmth and support from a distance.
I am grateful to the questioner for his self-awareness, which has prompted the discussion and exchange of the following topic: "What if you are 23 years old, have difficulty communicating with others, and consistently perform poorly at work?"
It is hoped that this will facilitate the emergence of new possibilities for change and additional perspectives to assist the questioner in addressing the issues currently being experienced.
In addition, I will present my own reflections and thoughts for the questioner's consideration.
Let us first delineate the particulars of the circumstances as delineated by the questioner and then proceed to interpret and analyze them.
I have suffered from depression for approximately ten years, since my junior high school days. I am unable to communicate effectively with others, but I have forced myself to interact with people at work. While I am able to function adequately on the surface, I experience distress when communicating with others.
Has a diagnosis of depression been made?
Or, alternatively, could it be that...
From the onset of junior high school to the present, if one were to claim that they have suffered from depression, what resources, if any, have they employed to navigate the past ten years?
It is evident that the questioner possesses a robust capacity for self-redemption and a profound willingness to undergo personal transformation.
After work, the subject reports that they "force themselves to talk and communicate with people." It is unclear whether this behavior is a result of a perceived obligation at work or if there are other contributing factors. The subject acknowledges that they experience discomfort when communicating with others, suggesting that they may not have fully developed the skills necessary for effective interpersonal interactions and social adaptation.
It is also possible that, from an early age, the individual in question has exhibited a tendency to be timid, shy, or fearful in social situations. This may have resulted in a significant depletion of energy reserves, which could have subsequently impacted their ability to engage effectively with others.
Even if an individual was conditioned to fear communication during their formative years, they can, with awareness and effort, alter this pattern and improve their communication skills.
The issue should be addressed from a characterological perspective. The individual consistently engages in actions that are perceived as wrong, and subsequently experiences a sense of shame. This emotion is difficult to regulate independently, particularly when the individual desires to avoid further engagement with the situation. In this case, the individual's desire to quit their job intensifies, accompanied by a sense of inability to work.
— Furthermore, it is important to consider the influence of the family environment in which the questioner was raised and the upbringing of the primary "object relations" person on the formation of their personality.
— It is inevitable that individuals will err in their lifetime. To permit oneself to err and to "enter society/the world" while confronting diverse missteps and circumstances is a form of psychological self-acceptance and a necessary precursor to change.
— Feeling ashamed, guilty, or self-negating when faced with "making a mistake"? Perhaps this is due to past experiences, or a lack of acceptance and tolerance.
Nevertheless, it would be inaccurate to attribute this entirely to the questioner themselves or to conclude that it is a consequence of the lack of recognition they have received from those around them for their achievements since childhood.
Once an individual is caught up in the psychological internal combustion of self-blame and guilt, it is difficult to extricate themselves. This phenomenon can be likened to the experience of encountering a "dilemma" and having not learned how to save oneself. Therefore, after the original poster has become aware of the situation, they can slowly begin to let themselves be temporarily trapped, actively seeking opportunities to grow mentally and become strong enough to deal with any interpersonal relationships and emergencies in reality.
In the event of an imminent threat that cannot be avoided, does one's natural response involve a state of "fight or flight"? The questioner is currently contemplating resignation from their position of employment.
Are you experiencing a lack of motivation to engage in any form of work?
It is important to consider that this realization, this unfavorable situation, may serve as a reminder that we need to reduce the consumption of our mental energy, allow ourselves to temporarily "escape," find a way to completely relax and restore our body and mind, and take some time to adjust. When you feel capable, it is optimal to resume work.
In consideration of the questioner's actual circumstances, an approach that may prove beneficial is as follows:
[1] Primarily, it is essential to accept oneself and permit a transient period of reduced energy.
One can only channel one's energy into action by accepting and understanding oneself; otherwise, one is engaged in a futile battle against pain and powerlessness.
When negative thoughts and emotions arise, it is important to acknowledge them and recognize that they can be addressed at a later time. The focus should be on completing the task at hand.
It is of the utmost importance to learn to affirm oneself and one's past efforts, even in the event that they did not meet expectations. Only on this premise can one regain the motivation to start anew. It would be beneficial to instill the idea in one's heart often: "Today, I am already the best version of myself among all possibilities."
This process is the sole means of learning to save oneself, of gradually learning to empower oneself, of affirming and recognizing oneself, and of slowly climbing out of the emotional low.
[2] It is recommended that one gradually reduce their sensitivity and allow for temporary disadvantages in interpersonal relationships and social adaptation. Initially, it is important to protect oneself from psychological and mental depletion.
Despite past experiences of rejection, it is imperative to learn how to accept oneself in the present. A recommended resource is the book Embrace Your Depressive Moods. It suggests a shift in perspective from a state of helplessness, where one's actions are driven by external factors, to a state of self-awareness and self-determination.
As an illustration, the questioner may choose to commence with their own preferences, reside in a manner that aligns with their personal preferences, take a temporary respite, and resume their work after identifying a state of mind that is conducive to productivity.
[3] It is essential to develop effective emotional management strategies, reduce psychological expectations, break down complex goals into more manageable components, and take prompt action.
Those experiencing significant internal conflict often find themselves engaged in a prolonged internal struggle with their thoughts. This can result in a heightened sense of distress and a concomitant reduction in the capacity to act.
The questioner may wish to adjust their psychological expectations when undertaking tasks, such as their current work. They may wish to adjust their psychological expectations and then divide the significant goal into smaller tasks. In this way, the strong motivation for the significant goal will no longer impede their actions.
In addressing unfavorable interpersonal relationships, it is important to recognize that temporary powerlessness and the pace of societal adaptation are inevitable. The book "The Courage to Be Disliked" can be a valuable resource for accepting these realities and subsequently breaking through them.
[4] Should the aforementioned self-redemption prove ineffective, the questioner is encouraged to seek the guidance of a professional psychological counselor. This individual can assist in identifying the underlying causes of the problem and effective coping strategies, with the aim of facilitating a swift and effective recovery.
After a decade-long period of depression, the individual in question has emerged from this state of mind. It is this author's belief that, in the event of a future low point in life, the individual will be able to overcome this challenge if they identify the most appropriate form of treatment for their needs.
In conclusion, we have responded to the questioner's query based on our comprehension of the matter. It is our intention to provide the questioner with constructive and beneficial assistance. It is recommended that one adapt to society and interpersonal relationships with "depressed emotions" and live at one's own pace.
I am a person of one heart, and I embrace the world with love and gratitude.
Comments
I can relate to feeling so overwhelmed by depression, it's tough when it feels like a constant battle just to keep up. The thought of quitting my job has crossed my mind too, because sometimes it seems like the only way out.
It sounds really hard carrying this weight for such a long time. Forcing interactions at work must take a lot out of you; I admire your strength but wish you didn't have to go through that discomfort.
Depression is such a heavy burden, and it's understandable you're finding it difficult to cope. It's okay to feel like you want to retreat; acknowledging that is already a big step.
I'm sorry you've been struggling with these feelings for so long. It's not easy to open up about it, but talking about how you feel might help ease the pain even a little bit.
The guilt from mistakes can be paralyzing, especially when it feels like there's no escape. I hope you can find someone who understands and supports you, someone who can help you see your worth beyond these moments.