'Career depression is real': HR executive shares heartbreaking interview moment when the candidate completely zoned out.

Taking to LinkedIn, one HR executive warned that career depression is a very real thing and urged others to be kind to themselves.

"I had an interview this morning. It started off well — the candidate seemed confident and prepared. But ten minutes into the conversation, he suddenly zoned out," said Juhi Bhatia, a recruitment professional.

She also said the candidate went completely silent. "For a full minute, there was just. awkward quiet."

The post was followed by many comments. As one commenter put it, "We forget that behind every résumé is a nervous system trying to hold it together. Job interviews are no longer just evaluations but emotional marathons."

Another added, “Career depression hits harder when you have bills to pay and responsibilities to manage. You can only hold it together for so long-we're all human.”

"I've seen it, too: it isn't a question of skill but sometimes just an opportunity and some kindness from someone," said the third.

Another shared, “This happened to me once. I blanked out during a test because I cared too much. It hurts but we learn.”

What is Career Depression?

It is also referred to as work depression or career depression syndrome, which is an emotional condition that one develops continuously from job dissatisfaction, burnout, or career stressors. Unlike temporary stress, it brings ongoing hopelessness, exhaustion, and disengagement since one's mental health, productivity, and quality of life may be affected.

The common triggers of career depression are a toxic work environment, lack of career fulfillment, too much workload, poor work-life balance, and job insecurity.

Following are indications for the same including: Emotional: sadness, irritability, loss of motivation, feeling trapped Physical: Fatigue, headaches, sleep problems, changes in appetite Behavioral — procrastination, low productivity, withdrawal from coworkers