Dear Dr. Archer,
I have a long history of depression. I’d been doing pretty well until I caught a bad cold. Now the cold is gone, but I feel like I want to die. I don’t understand why, and I’m very frustrated.
I took good care of myself when I had the cold, and now I want to kill myself. This doesn’t make sense, does it? I have no energy, I cry and truly just want to die. I was better off when I had the cold.
Does any of this make sense to you?
Helen
Dear Helen,
Yes, it does make sense. It isn’t uncommon at all for depression to flare up both during and after a physical illness. We believe it is related to energy levels, but we don’t know for sure.
It is much more common when one is overcoming the flu — which you may have had. But what you’re describing can definitely happen with other illnesses as well.
My advice is to take it easy and be patient with the recuperation time. Above all, get plenty of rest. You can expect this to take at least a month. If it lasts longer, then you should see a psychiatrist for a check-up.
George Bernard Shaw said, “When an illness knocks you on your ass, you should stay down and relax for a while before trying to get back up.” This is doubly important when one has a history of depression.
In the meantime, if you think of harming yourself, go to your nearest ER and seek help. Hang in there and take care. I wish you a thorough, speedy recovery.
Dr. Archer
Dear Dr. Archer,
I’ve figured out where I want to live and what type of life partner I want to spend my life with. The problem is I can’t find meaningful work — or any work, for that matter. I don’t know what I’m called to do.
I began my schooling in sports medicine as a certified athletic trainer. I worked my way through school and worked at a physical therapy clinic. I was encouraged to take the physical therapy exam and passed.
Since I didn’t attend a physical therapy program, but had taken all the classes and demonstrated the skills, I was grandfathered in as a physical therapy assistant. My job emphasized prevention and wellness; covering the whole body — mental and physical.
Now I find myself in a system that cares only about reimbursement. Our quality of care is horrible. It hurts me to care for people who are encouraged to stay sick.
I’m also at the bottom of the barrel, and have no way to advance or help provide change.
I suffer from depression, anxiety and some OCD. I’m a perfectionist and have difficulty tolerating less than OK work. My co-workers aren’t bothered by our poor quality of care or by the system.
I know I must find a place where I fit, and I’ve been considering anthropology.
I love the human body and find it fascinating. I love to help people move, but no one wants to pay for wellness at this time. I’m getting more depressed and wonder why I’m even here, and how I can get myself out of this position.
I’ve put myself out there for schools and jobs but have gotten too many rejection letters to mention. I’m a solid person with a hard work ethic.
I feel like I’ve been doing the wrong thing for too long. I have a master’s in business and management. I thought I could do the job I enjoy and get paid for it, but it’s a huge bureaucracy and I know I’ll never win this battle.
Will you help me find something that will enable me to feel better and find my place in this world?
Joni
Dear Joni,
I can sympathize with your plight. If you’re not happy where you are, but want to remain in healthcare while putting your degree to work, look into health services managerial positions, an administrative position, a clinical area or the position of department manager; or manage a medical practice for one or more physicians.
For suggestions for employment in anthropology, check out the American Anthropological Assoc., where there is a plethora of legitimate, well-paying career options.
Of course, if you feel so inclined, you can do like millions of Americans and go back to school to study in a different area — something that may suit you better. Whether it’s a matter of graduate school, a community college or even continuing education classes, the extra knowledge could help you capitalize on any strengths, interests or passions you have.
I know it’s tough out there, but don’t give up. You’re ahead of the game since you’re currently employed, so don’t take your job for granted. Look around, and eventually you’ll find something that interests you.
Remain focused on your goal, and do not get discouraged. Do your job well and keep a positive attitude. The job you want is out there; just keep looking. It will happen.
All the best,
Dr. Archer
Dr. Dale Archer is a board certified psychiatrist who founded the Institute for Neuropsychiatry in Southwest Louisiana. He is a frequent guest on Fox News, CNN Headline News and other national TV programs. He is the author of The ADHD Advantage and the New York Times’ bestselling book Better than Normal. Visit him at DrDaleArcher.com.
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