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Depression in the workplace
Carol DuffFreelance Trainer
14th November 2013
Aims
Myths around depression and mental health conditions
What is depression
Depression in the workplace
How to help someone
Training available
Fact Or Fiction?
Depression is rare and unusual and none of my staff have a mental health condition
Depression is common
1 in 5 people will experience
depression at some point in their lives
People with severe mental health conditions are not able to work
Fact Or Fiction?
The vast majority of people who have
experienced a mental health condition
continue or return to work successfully
Working makes mental health problems worse
Fact Or Fiction?
However poor conditions in the workplace can impact on poor mental health therefore it is
essential to foster a healthy work environment
Being out of work can be more detrimental to
mental health
There is evidence that work is generally good for health and
wellbeing
Someone who has previously had a mental health condition will have a bad sickness record in the
future
Fact Or Fiction?
Over 70% of people have a single episode and then fully
recover
Although people can and do sometimes need time off work with their mental
health condition – most can and do recover and only some experience problems over a
longer period of time
Stigma and disclosure
Many people don’t disclose a mental health condition for fear of discrimination
Many people don’t understand mental health conditions and avoid talking about them
This can exacerbate the issue
Finding the balance
Employers need to be able to recognise signs of ill health
and provide appropriate support
They need to understand how to encourage good
mental health
Employers want to maximise productivity and also support
employees
Depression
But for some people, depression goes on for longer, and becomes so severe that they
find it hard to carry on with their normal
lives
Everyone feels sad, fed up or miserable sometimes
Continuum of Mental well being
Mental illness
Positive mental
wellbeing
Clinical depression
A clinical depression is one that lasts for at least 2 weeks
and affects the person physically, emotionally,
cognitively and behaviourally
It interferes with the person’s ability to carry out his or her work or to have satisfying
personal relationships.
Emotional Changes
Sadness
Increased anxiety or stress
Feelings of guilt
Anger
Mood swings
Lack of emotional responsiveness
Helplessness
Hopelessness
Changes in thinking
Frequent self-criticismSelf-blameWorryingPessimismPoor memory and concentrationDifficulty making decisionsConfusionTendency to believe that others see you negativelyIn severe cases thoughts of death and suicide
Physical changes
Chronic fatigueLack of energySleeping too much or too littleOvereating or loss of appetiteConstipationWeight loss or gainIrregular menstrual cycleLoss of libidoUnexplained aches and pains
Changes in Behaviour
Crying spells
Withdrawal from others
Neglect of responsibilities
Loss of interest in personal appearance
Loss of motivation
Making more mistakes
How depression might present in workplace?
Decreased productivity
Morale problems
Lack of co-operation
Safety problems
Absenteeism
Frequent complaints of being tired all the time
Complaints of unexplained aches and pains
Alcohol and/or other drug misuse
What can you do to help or advise
Help the person to feel hope and optimism
Understand that depression is common
Depression is a real medical condition
Effective help is available
What doesn’t help
Being told to snap out of it
Being told to cheer up
Being made to feel a failure
Depression being seen as a weakness
Where can you get help for depression?
Self help
GP
Counselling
Cognitive behaviour therapy
Local groups i.e Cruise
Medication
What can help in the workplace?
Raising awareness of mental health conditionsPromoting well-beingIdentifying the early warning signs and talking at
an early stageKeeping in touch during sickness absenceOccupational healthConsidering reasonable adjustmentsOngoing support and review
Benefits of Intervention
• The total cost to employers is estimated at nearly £26 billion each year
• That is equivalent to £1,035 for every employee in the UK workforce
• Simple steps to improve the management of mental health in the workplace should enable employers to save 30% or more of these costs - at least £8 billion a year
Training available
• Mental Health First Aid ( 2 day course)• Mental Health First Aid Lite ( 3 hour session)• Line Managers Mental health awareness ( 6 hours) • Employee Mental Health Awareness ( 3 hours)• Managing stress in the workplace
Summary
None of us are immune to mental health conditions
Both the employer and the employee are responsible for looking after their own mental
wellbeing
Small changes and proactive support can encourage good mental health and in turn
maximise productivity
There is help and support available
Useful information
• www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/employment• www.moodgym.anu.edu.au• www.depressionalliance.org.uk• www.mentalhealth.org.uk• www.mind.org.uk• www.mindfulemployer.net• www.hse.uk• www.mhfaengland.org/news/mhfa-england-updates-
shift-line-managers-resource• www.getselfhelp.co.uk• www.ntw.nhs.uk/pic/selfhelp
