How to Stay Motivated at Work When You’re Struggling with Depression

Staying productive at work while living with depression or anxiety can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we continue our conversation with writer Sarah Fielding, author of Nine Ways to Motivate Yourself to Work When You’re Struggling Mentally (Healthline).

Sarah shares practical tools and mindset shifts that can help you:

• Build momentum on hard days
• Reset your energy when motivation disappears
• Reframe work as something you’re capable of instead of something that controls you

These tips aren’t about “pushing through” or toxic productivity. They’re about finding balance, caring for your mental health, and recognizing progress—one step at a time.

If depression has ever made work feel impossible, this conversation offers encouragement and realistic strategies you can start using today.

Link to article: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/motivation-work-tasks

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why depression contributes to absenteeism and presenteeism at work
• Reviewing progress as a way to build confidence and motivation
• The power of taking five-minute breaks to reset
• Using music playlists as a mental focus tool
• How food, caffeine, and clothing choices impact energy and mindset
• Accepting that some days will be harder and giving yourself grace

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Depression and work struggles
 01:14 - The cost of ignoring mental health at work
 03:16 - Review your progress and celebrate small wins
 04:56 - Why taking five minutes can boost productivity
 06:51 - Creating a motivating work playlist
 08:05 - Food, caffeine, and energy management
 09:05 - How clothing choices affect mindset
 10:28 - Giving yourself grace on difficult days
 11:29 - Preview of upcoming episodes
 12:28 - Honored as a top depression podcast
 13:23 - Closing message: Speak up, listen up

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