Is it normal to feel depressed and hopeless before a stressful job shift?

[Joe917]

My job is pretty fast paced and stressful. My co workers are pretty chill. Its not toxic or anything. I just hate the work. I am glad to have a full time job, and being a productive member of society, but like I said, I just hate the job. Its about 2 1/2 hours before my shift, and I just feel depressed, and hopeless, like something very bad is going to happen. I have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety. I don't know if these feelings are common, or what?

[AI Opinion]

Advisor Smith here.

Yes, what you’re describing is very common, especially with generalized anxiety and a job you dislike. Anticipatory anxiety can feel like dread, depression, or “something terrible is coming,” even when nothing specific is wrong.

Short term:
- Name it: “This is anxiety, not a prediction.”
- Use small rituals before work: walk, music, breathing, brief journaling.
- Limit catastrophic thinking (“This shift = my whole life”).

Medium term:
- Talk to a therapist or doctor about your anxiety.
- Start planning an exit: explore roles better aligned with your interests and energy.

[Mastergirl]

Very common and normal.

[Jmmmfi4]

Definitely common