Depression & Me: The Struggles Behind the Numbers
The Reality of Depression
Depression isn’t something that just appears overnight. It builds, slowly, creeping into daily life until one day, you realise it’s not just a bad mood or a rough patch—it’s something more. I’ve struggled with depression for a while, and like many others, I didn’t fully acknowledge how much worse it was getting until it peaked. At that point, I had to take a step back and get help before it completely took over.
Is Accountancy to Blame?
I don’t blame accountancy for my depression. It’s not the profession itself that caused it, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t contribute to it. Accountancy is a world of deadlines, precision, and pressure. Whether it’s balancing the books to the last penny, keeping up with ever-changing regulations, or facing the relentless demand of clients who need everything yesterday, it can wear you down over time. There’s little room for mistakes, and the constant need for accuracy can be mentally exhausting.
The Extra Weight of Self-Employment
Being self-employed adds an extra layer of stress. There’s no boss to delegate to, no team to share the workload with—it’s all on you. The responsibility of running a business, keeping clients happy, and making sure you get paid is overwhelming. If you’re having a bad day (or week, or month), you can’t just call in sick and expect things to carry on without you. The work is still there, waiting, and falling behind only makes the pressure worse.
Moving Forward
Recognising that I needed help was the first step in slowing down the spiral. It took a long time for me to acknowledge it, but once I did, I started to see things more clearly. Depression thrives in silence, and for too long, I kept it hidden. Now, I’m trying to take each day as it comes, balancing work, life, and my own well-being.
If you’re struggling, don’t keep it bottled up. Talk to someone, whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a professional. Depression doesn’t define you, and it doesn’t have to control your future.
“I have done it! What a feeling, I have achieved something today, this week, this year. I have blogged today.”
Thanks for stopping by – Have a good day!
The Depressed Accountant™