Twenty five percent of Americans experience mental or emotional problems sometime during their lifetime. Most likely, they will experience these issues while they are employed. By far, anxiety and depression are the two most common emotional disorders and in general, they co-exist. Does anxiety impair productivity? What about depression? Can it lead to impaired performance, call-offs, and exiting the workplace?
According to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) report, 200 million workdays are lost annually due to depression. This costs employers between $17 – $44 billion in lost productivity and insurance payments. Employees with depression miss an average of almost 5 days per year and over 11 days of reduced productivity.
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Depression doesn’t discriminate. It affects individuals of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Whether you’re the executive director, a nursing assistant or dietary aid, depression can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms that may interfere with job responsibilities.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression in the Workplace
You may know someone you suspect has depression, or perhaps it is you. Either way, depression is a very serious condition that requires attention, and the sooner the better. Signs of depression can be very difficult to detect at times. They may also mask other problems like substance use, anxiety or psychosis.
Regardless, there are classic signs and symptoms to watch for. Here is a short list:
- Persistent sad or anxious mood
- Weight gain or loss
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in sleep habits
- Restlessness and irritability
- Impaired judgement
- Loss of energy or frequent fatigue
- Decreased productivity
- Low morale
- Safety risks and frequent accidents
- Frequent absenteeism
- Frequent complaints of aches and pains
- Increased and noticeable substance use or abuse
What You Can Do To Help
The first step in helping a fellow employee with any kind of mental or emotional problems is to develop a culture of acceptance and kindness. When employees feel like they can talk about personal issues, they will. You don’t want to pretend to be a therapist, as most of us are not, but instead let them know you will support them.
If you’re going to offer support, please remember to keep all personal issues private and confidential. The last thing a depressed employee wants is their problems broadcast throughout the workplace. Mental or emotional problems are serious and sensitive issues and should be dealt with appropriately.
Don’t treat the coworker any differently. It is easy once you’ve found out something personal to use it against them. You may see that employee differently now. He or she may seem less professional or efficient now. Be careful not to taint your perceptions of your coworkers with inaccurate stereotypes.
Be kind and keep them in the social loop. Don’t push them out of your circle of friends just because they have confided in you. They actually need you to be loyal, professional, and mature.
After time goes by, be sure to check in with your colleague. Don’t assume that everything must be alright and their problems are over. Remind them that you’re there and available if they should need to talk. And never, ever ignore suicidal talk. Any talk of self-harm or homicidal thoughts must be shared with the employees’ mental health professional. You may have to take these issues to your direct supervisor. In doing so, you may save a life.
To learn more about handling special issues like this, please go to Collins Learning online. We offer a number of courses on mental and emotional health for your entire team.
More About Employee Wellness
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- Caregiver Stress: Symptoms and Solutions
- Caregiver Burnout and Depression