Dealing with Workplace Depression

Be it a moody Monday or a troubled Tuesday, the blues can strike even the most dedicated employee.

But what about when it’s something more?

Depression affects more than 19 million Americans each year and is responsible for more than 200 million lost workdays annually, according to Mental Health America.

Additionally, the condition tends to hit people in their prime working years and affects everything from on-the-job productivity to the patient’s overall health and quality of life.

People with depression may experience physical symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, appetite changes, sleep disturbance, and unexplained aches and pains, to name just a few.

They might also struggle with persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, and loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy.

Compounding the problem, many people with depression don’t seek treatment because of concerns about confidentiality or about how their jobs will be affected.

The good news? When they do receive help, more than 80% of sufferers can be successfully treated.

Knowing how to detect the signs of depression can be a valuable tool in early intervention for depressed staff members.

Some things to look for:

Do not attempt to diagnose depression on your own, but invite employees you see struggling to discuss the changes you’ve noticed in their behavior at work. The best thing you can do is listen without judgment and assure them that anything they tell you will be kept confidential.

Keep in mind that while you can’t fix the problem for them or force them to seek treatment, you can point them in the right direction.