Depression in the workplace

Raymond M. Lacson, RN, CSPDT, MSNc

CNS Training Manager / Safety Officer
 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 common
Depression is rare and unusual and none of my
staff have a mental health condition

1 in 5 people will
experience
depression at some
point in their lives
 Fact Or Fiction?

People with severe mental health conditions are

not able to work

The vast majority of

people who have
experienced a mental
health condition
continue or return to
work successfully
 Fact Or Fiction?
Being out of work can
be more detrimental to
mental health
Working makes mental health problems
worse

There is evidence that

work is generally good for
health and wellbeing
However poor conditions in the workplace can
impact on poor mental health therefore it is
essential to foster a healthy work environment
 Fact Or Fiction?
Someone who has previously had a mental health
condition will have a bad sickness record in the
future
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 want to maximise
productivity and also support
employees
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
 Depression

Everyone feels sad, fed up or miserable sometimes

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
Continuum of Mental well being

Positive
Mental mental
illness 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-criticism
Self-blame
Worrying
Pessimism
Poor memory and concentration
Difficulty making decisions
Confusion
Tendency to believe that others see you negatively
In severe cases thoughts of death and suicide
 Physical changes

Chronic fatigue
Lack of energy
Sleeping too much or too little
Overeating or loss of appetite
Constipation
Weight loss or gain
Irregular menstrual cycle
Loss of libido
Unexplained 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
Consultation
Counselling
Cognitive behaviour therapy
Local groups
Medication
What can help in the workplace?

 Raising awareness of mental health conditions

 Promoting well-being

 Identifying the early warning signs and talking at an early

stage
 Keeping in touch during sickness absence

 Occupational health

 Considering reasonable adjustments

 Ongoing support and review

 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
Thank you & questions

#usaptayo
rmlacson@torrentphilippines.com