Sometimes I really feel like my anxiety and overall personality is not fit for advertising. I constantly feel disconnected from my body & extremely reactive in situations (think Black Albert Einstein lol).

Does anyone else with GAD / MDD have coping techniques they’re willing to share? Or do I need to either adjust (to ad land) or bust (out the door)?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

First of all, having anxiety and depression are common for Black people in America, in corporate America and in agencies. There is a common type of hyper vigilance, repression and often denial, even not recognizing the fact that we are experiencing symptoms. A recent study showed that Black executives reported significantly higher rates of clinical symptoms of depression and anxiety. I don’t think that this industry is any worse than any other sector. One of the issues we might have, more so than industries where billables are not an issue, is that we might not have enough time for self-care and treatment. It sounds like you have diagnoses already. Be sure to work with someone who understands racial trauma and won’t ask you to compartmentalism yourself (like being Black might be difficult, but let’s separate that from your GAD and MDD to talk about how to manage through this). Having a support system at work is really important so that you do not internalize the environment. Recognize that where we are, what’s happening can make us more sensitive than other people might seem to be. Also that feeling hypersensitive isn’t necessarily inappropriate or unjustified. Just keep getting treatment and try to find help that understands how being Black can play a huge part in the onset or escalation of GAD and MDD. Also, pick and choose your battles. Sometimes you can just decide to decide later if you should react. Sometimes you might take something that happens as a point of information to be aware of and help you make decisions. Sometimes you just need to speak up — but before you do, decide what your goals are for the conversation and response. Never engage when you don’t know what you want out of it.

likesmart

Don’t be afraid of working with a therapist and psych. Dialectical behavior therapy has been really useful for me, and a psych put me on some low grade, anxiety meds. It’s made a massive difference.

like

I worked as CW for 20+ years at agencies. Ever since I was an intern, I was told (and I once believed) anyone who worked in-house couldn’t cut it as an agency creative. Then I went in-house and discovered my own truth. My work is still challenging and creative, but I don’t have to compromise my sanity. I shut down at 5 every day.

Every agency is different. Every company is different. Find a place that works for you without working you to death.

like

I also quit smoking weed and drinking. I was smoking massive amounts of weed to self medicate the anxiety, like an ounce a week. 😃 Quitting weed has helped a ton, but I couldn’t have quit it without the anxiety meds. I take much less of them now. If I could only kick my coffee and sugar habit.... 😁😁😁

like

Can relate and also conflicted on what to do. Not positive that therapy is for me after trying out a few sessions. Glad SS1 found anxiety meds helpful but I’m skeptical of regular pharma meds myself so i just self medicate with weed. Thinking that busting out of the industry might be what’s needed though

like

What you are experiencing is normal sadly. Work with a therapist. It’s hard playing the ‘role’ to exist in white spaces where you have to carry the entire race and yet can’t even be your true self.

Find someone to talk to, not a friend, a professional. There’s no shame in it, it’s can be empowering when you find the right connection.

like

Related Posts

As a sometimes-poster of my watches let me introduce you to a new brand and acquisition called "AERONOM" from Germany.

Saw it as a recommendation and was intrigued and have it now.

Here some details:
- Automatic Movement
- Caliber 8217 with 42 hrs Power reserve
- 41,5 mm dial in a 46 mm case of stainless steel
- date window at 3 o'clock
- black diamond at 12 o'clock
- 24 hrs indicator at 9 o'clock

It's one of 200 produced and even though it's heavy and a 46 mm case is big but nice to wear

Post Photo
like

2 things:
#1 are most agencies and freelancer usually off / away in July or August? So hard to find freelancers available!
#2 any experiential / spacial designers looking for work this summer?!

What is everyone's long-term career goal with the clinical research field? What do you hope to be doing in 10-15 years?

like

First year associates: what one thing could your firm do to ease the anxiety many of you are experiencing and make your day to day work more satisfying?

like

I am a 10 yr lawyer. 7 yrs in my practice area. Little over a year at current firm. Still an associate. Im at large plaintiff firm w/ billable requirements. I do mass/class cases and hold a couple leadership positions (these were competitive to get). What should salary be and when should I make partner. I’ll add I work remote and pretty autonomously. Little contact with partners or anyone at my firm.

like

Hi Fishes!

This question is mainly for the people in that 20s and 30s. Just want to know if there is a trend and if our spending habits are taking a turn for the worse.

Most of us saw increase in our pay checks earlier this year, mainly due to resignation wave. Given how easy it is to spend money these days, have you guys noticed any changes in your spending habits? Have you started overspending or you are still mindful about day to day purchases?

like

Ibm, capegemini or Cognizant.....which is better

ibm 7b role 26L

capegemini manager,30 including variable(3L)

Cognizant manager, 27.5 variable 1.5L


please help .Tata Consultancy IBM Capgemini Cognizant

like

I think this bowl is a great idea but it’s really difficult to foster conversations between other people.. any suggestions on how to do it?

likehelpful

Hello everyone trust your weekend is going on well.
I'm not completely certain how this platform works but it appears I could use some likes on my profile to unlock its full usage.

likefunny

If only Trump is a little less narcissistic, egoistic and full of himself. He will win this easy.

like
like

I charge $30 an hour

Welcome to the Mormons in Consulting bowl - aka the “Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Consulting” bowl (character limits.) Pls keep this bowl positive& professional.

like

Equinox personal training sessions - worth it?

like

Cramer strikes again

Post Photo
likefunny

Hey there! I’m moving to the NJ/NYC area in a month or two and looking for friends. Idk anyone in the area. I’m a Black male (African), 33 y/o; Muslim; like and play soccer; an introvert trying to get out of my comfort zone; I like hanging out at park and at the beach. Looking to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures. DM me or comment let’s connect!

like

Any Big 4 Audit/Tax —> MBB success stories out there? In the interview process right now and looking for any semblance of hope!

like

What is decent package for 10 yrs exp .
Technology is Oracle Ebs technical.

If you knew about technology then only reply. Don't respond on fly.

smart

Which ones better for strategy roles? Visa, Mastercard, FIS or Amex? Scoping out potential roles in the UK/Europe

like

My CC told me CN is not getting any promotions or hikes. What a lie!!!

None of my team members got
Accenture" class="linkified" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" >anything.Accenture

When are they going to give VP? I am just so sad after being lowballed like anything.

like

Additional Posts in Black In Advertising

Becoming An (Advertising) Influencer

There are a ton of white advertising influencers, most are mediocre. I'm curious everyone's thoughts on being Black in advertising and if you think we are shooting ourselves in the foot by not being as present online as our white counterparts.

I finally have work that I am proud of and can back up my stance, but I feel that it's not only too self-serving, but just creates a new class of gatekeepers, especially in our community.

likesmart

Any cool networking events coming up? Online or in-person.

like

I'm going through the bowls and these white folks on here - man, so apathetic, in denial, so defensive, it's incredible to witness. I've never seen so many of them openly fight against the progress were trying to accomplish as a people. It's like they're clueless. Honestly - are you really that ignorant or are you so desperate to hold onto all the power you have that you and your ancestors stripped of the rest of us? I'm done with bowl. They really just revealed themselves, and I can't deal.

like

We are in desperate need for a director for digital strategy. A small shop located in Nashville, TN but willing to have a remote worker. Let me know if you know anyone interested.

like

Hi All!

Trying to grow your network but don’t know where to start? Or maybe your network needs a refresh?

Next week, from Monday to Friday connect with Tangie Murray, SVP at the 4As to ask her how to find, establish and sustain mentors in Advertising. Tangie will also answer your career & industry questions as well!

All week in the Black in Advertising bowl! See you next week!

Post Photo
like

Beyond salary, what other items have you been able to negotiate when taking a new job or promotion?

like

So.. has anyone seen Malcolm & Marie? What did you think?

Personally, it was very uncomfortable to watch...Zendaya is still a Disney kid in my mind.

like

Stressed. Sad. TIRED.

I’m cooking all weekend, best way I know to manage stress on my own.

Inspired by the incredible black chef Harold Sims IV, (who won on an episode of Cooking With Cannabis on Netflix, a great show) I’m looking to make some ethiopian food this weekend.

Any reccos or recipes? I’m def doing injera (fermented flatbread) and looking for a sampling of sides. 😋

like

Does anyone here work at iProspect in LA? Any thoughts on company culture? Currently interviewing there. Would love any insight you’re willing to share. Thanks I’m advance!

like

I'm looking for a new job and I just don't know where to start. Does anyone have success reaching out to recruiters? Every time I do I get nothing.

like

I’m truly interested in this: let’s get some salary transparency going. Job title. How much you make. Do you still enjoy your job?

like

Hi, I’m a creative who has yet to break into the industry and I have concerns.

As I continue to finish up my portfolio and hunt for creative jobs in advertising, I cannot help but get a bit discouraged. I see and hear so many horror stories about being black in advertising and a lot of times it just seems like the risks are much greater than any reward from working in this industry. Am I wrong in thinking so? I need a job and to make a living, but at what cost? How do I work through this?

like

What is the coolest campaign/project/product/company you've worked on?

like

Whenever I got promoted to digital ACD a few years ago, I noticed my pay was much lower than I expected for the market I’m in, hard to find skillsets, performance, and visibility I’ve brought to the agency. I’ve brought this up a few times and was told HR would do research into salary equity, but the convo always fades. I put my foot down with my GCD, and she supports me, but I would like to come to the table with my own research. Where should I be looking for accuracy?

like

They really diverse or just full of 💩? Don’t count if you go from all white men to all white women. Tag your agency and location please.

like

On the last week of 2020...https://adage.com/article/year-review/most-demand-cmo-2020/2298436

like

I'm receiving several interview requests although feel a few may be Brian Flores set-ups. What tough questions should I ask to determine an organization's true commitment to DEI vs. quota checking?

Many don't have diverse leadership and this has been pointed out as an area of opportunity for them from the HR leads / recruiters.

like

Does anyone know their agency's diversity numbers? Percentage POC, Black, Latinx, Asian, 2+ races, etc. If so how do you think it stacks up to other agencies?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal