Types of Depression
II
Depression in Women
II Depression in Men
II
Childhood Depression
II
Adolescent Depression
II
Depression in the Elderly
II
Clinical Depression
II
Major Depression
II
Dysthymia II
Atypical Depression
II
Bipolar Depression
II
Cyclothymia II
Seasonal Affective Disorder
II
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
II
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
(PMDD)
II
Holiday Depression II
Workplace Depression.
Workplace Depression.
When employees suffer with depression in the workplace, everyone
pays the price through lost productivity, absenteeism and medical
expenses.
Workplace depression has a stiff price tag: billions of dollars
every year. Workplace depression is more common than you might
think.
Depression afflicts more than 15 million adults including people
in their thirties and forties, the age category most likely to be
in the workplace.
Experts say there is a link between depression and alcoholism as
well as depression and illnesses such as heart attacks and cancer.
If you are an employer, you may want to provide assistance for
employees to minimize the hardships that come with workplace
depression. However, only a trained professional can diagnose
workplace depression. It’s your job to simply recognize the signs
of workplace depression and encourage employees to seek help.
As an employer, you have a vested interest in helping your
employees overcome workplace depression because their depression
may lead to a lethargic attitude, poor customer service and costly
mistakes.
Some employees would rather sweep their workplace depression under
the rug because they feel too embarrassed to talk about it.
Admitting they have a psychological problem is not easy for many
people suffering with workplace depression.
Most of the time an employee treated for workplace depression will
recover. A psychiatrist may prescribe antidepressants or treat
workplace depression by offering a type of therapy called talk
therapy. Many people just need to talk about their problems at
home and in the workplace, and they need a safe, confidential
setting where they won’t feel retaliated against or punished.
You will want your employee with workplace depression feeling
better and back on the job as soon as possible to avoid valuable
time lost and costly employee turnover. It will also be a boost to
the morale of people in the workplace.
Don’t be afraid to correct an employee suffering with depression
because the workplace is a professional setting. Don’t be afraid
to set expectations but give positive, clear feedback instead of
hurtful criticism that may lead to depression. Focus on their
strengths.
One way companies handle workplace depression is by having an employee assistance program. Through an EAP program, employees
suffering with workplace depression may set up anonymous
appointments with trained professionals. No one in the workplace
needs to know they are seeking help for their depression.
Some of the problems associated with depression in the workplace
include lowered morale, bickering, lethargic employees,
absenteeism, alcohol and drug abuse, decreased productivity,
safety risks, injuries, fights, poor customer service and whining
regarding physical ailments that might be perceived as
hypochondria.
To get a better handle on workplace depression, educate yourself
and your employees about depression. You don’t want to lose one of
your best employees just because he or she is suffering with a
disease – depression -- that may be cured with proper treatment.
Look for signs of depression in your workplace. Remember, a person
suffering with depression will have mood swings, laughing one
moment and crying the next moment in the workplace. Employees who
used to be proud of their role in the workplace may feel as though
nothing they do matters. Their depression sends them into a
downward spiral along with productivity.
Listen for complains of physical aches and pains as well as
employees suffering with workplace depression who whine about
feeling tired. If an employee is constantly calling in sick he or
she may be a victim of workplace depression.
Talk to your employee about the signs you have picked up that he
or she is suffering with workplace depression. Let them know you
are supportive and want the workplace to be a place they feel
comfortable and relaxed. Don’t judge them for their personal
problems or depression.
Finally, people suffering with workplace are at higher risk for
suicide. The workplace is a second home to many people, and they
are most likely to commit suicide in the workplace or at home.
Don’t ignore or scoff at any suicide threats made by a person with
depression. Call 911 or contact an EAP counselor if you think an
employee may be in danger.
