Dealing with Depressive Symptoms in the Workplace

Depression is a mental disorder that is extremely hard to live with without getting professional help. Outside influences usually make it even more difficult to function on a daily basis, which is why dealing with depression in the workplace can be one of the most debilitating experiences that a person can encounter. 

According to Mental Health America, "depression ranks among the top three workplace problems for employee assistance professionals, following only family crisis and stress." More people than is obvious deal with depressive symptoms at home and in the workplace without even realizing that they are suffering from depression. It can be extremely difficult to be put in high stress situations when dealing with the effects of a mental health issue. 

"The World Health Organization predicts that by 2020, mental illness will be the second leading cause of disability worldwide, after heart disease." This comes from a study conducted by Towers Watson in which they looked at the role of mental health in the workplace. As the number of people dealing with depression is on the rise, psychologists will need to take a more cooperative, understanding approach when dealing with depression in the workplace.

It is also important for management in the workplace to be able to identify when a worker is going through a major mental health issue such as depression. Health Affairs magazine recently released some interesting information on missed work days due to depression, "depressed workers were found to have between 1.5 and 3.2 more short-term work-disability days in a thirty-day period than other workers had, with a salary-equivalent productivity loss averaging between $182 and $395."

In essence, it would cost almost the same amount for managers to help their employees deal with their depressive symptoms than it would to completely ignore them and let production suffer.

Reducing stress levels at work is just one way that people can improve their depressive symptoms to improve functionality. By incorporating various relaxation techniques into their everyday work habits, most people can achieve some peace and serenity. Scott Wallace, Ph.D, suggests "pursuing jobs that offer you an opportunity to develop your skills" as well as "taking advantage of company resources to help support you through difficult times (e.g. employee assistance, human resources)."

Depression is a disease that does not discriminate based on age, sex, race, creed or religion. People all over the world are at risk for suffering from the overwhelming symptoms of depression. In the workplace, it is not always easy to control depressive symptoms, so it is important to seek out assistance from psychologists and other licensed health professionals.

This post is brought to you by Argosy University. Drawing upon our more than 30-year history of granting degrees in professional psychology, Argosy University has developed a curriculum that focuses on interpersonal skills and practical experience alongside academic learning. Because getting a degree is one thing. Succeeding, quite another.