What To Do When an Employee is Depressed
------------------------------
*Depression Affects the Workplace*
As a supervisor, you may notice that some employees seem less productive and
reliable than usual--they may often call in sick or arrive late to work,
have more accidents, or just seem less interested in work. These individuals
may be suffering from a very real and common illness called clinical
depression. While it is not your job as a supervisor to diagnose depression,
it may help to understand more about it.
- Each year, depression affects more than 19 million American adults,
often during their most productive years--between the ages of 25 and 44.
- Untreated clinical depression may become a chronic condition that
disrupts work, family, and personal life.
- Depression results in more days in bed than many other ailments
(such as ulcers, diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis) according to
a recent large-scale study published by the Rand Corporation.
In addition to personal suffering, depression takes its toll at the
workplace:
- At any one time, 1 employee in 20 is experiencing depression.
- Estimates of the cost of depression to the nation in 1990 range from
$30-$44 billion. Of the $44 billion, depression accounts for close to $12
billion in lost work days and an estimated $11 billion in other costs
associated with decreased productivity.
"Major depression and bipolar disorder accounted for 11% of all days lost
from work in 1987," reported the medical director of a public utility
company.
However, there is good news. More than 80% Of depressed people can be
treated quickly and effectively. The key is to recognize the symptoms of
depression early and to receive appropriate treatment. Unfortunately, nearly
two out of three people with depression still do not receive the treatment
they need.
Many companies are helping employees with depression by providing training
on depression and other mental disorders for supervisors, employee
assistance, and occupational health personnel. Employers are also making
appropriate treatment available through employee assistance programs and
through company-sponsored health benefits. Such efforts are contributing to
significant reductions in lost time and job-related accidents as well as
marked increases in productivity.
*Depression Is More Than The Blues*
Everyone gets the blues or feels sad from time to time. However, if a person
experiences these emotions intensely and for long periods of time, it may
signal clinical depression, a condition that requires treatment.
Clinical depression affects the total person--body, feelings, thoughts, and
behaviors--and comes in various forms. Some people have a single bout of
depression; others suffer recurrent episodes. Still others experience the
severe mood swings of bipolar disorder--sometimes called manic-depressive
illness-with moods alternating between depressive lows and manic highs.
*Symptoms of Depression Include*
- Persistent sad or "empty" mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
- Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities, including sex
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
- Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia, early-morning waking, or oversleeping)
- Irritability
- Excessive crying
- Eating disturbances (loss of appetite and weight, or weight gain)
- Chronic aches and pains that don't respond to treatment
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
*Symptoms of Mania Include*
- Inappropriate elation
- Irritability
- Decreased need for sleep
- Increased energy and activity
- Increased talking, moving, and sexual activity
- Racing thoughts
- Disturbed ability to make decisions all the time
- Grandiose notions
- Being easily distracted
*In the Workplace, Symptoms of Depression Often May Be Recognized by*
- Decreased productivity
- Morale problems
- Lack of cooperation
- Safety risks, accidents
- Absenteeism
- Frequent statements about being tired
- Complaints of unexplained aches and pains
- Alcohol and drug abuse
*Get an Accurate Diagnosis*
If four or more of the symptoms of depression or mania persist for more than
two weeks, or are interfering with work or family life, a thorough diagnosis
is needed. This should include a complete physical checkup and history of
family health problems as well as an evaluation of possible symptoms of
depression.
*Depression Affects Your Employees*
*John had been feeling depressed for weeks though he didn't know why. He had
lost his appetite and felt tired all the time. It wasn't until he couldn't
get out of bed any more that his wife took him to a mental health
professional for treatment. He soon showed improvement and was able to
return to work.*
Depression can affect your workers' productivity, judgment, ability to work
with others, and overall job performance. The inability to concentrate fully
or make decisions may lead to costly mistakes or accidents. In addition, it
has been shown that depressed individuals have high rates of absenteeism and
are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs, resulting in other problems on
and off the job.
Unfortunately, many depressed people suffer needlessly because they feel
embarrassed, fear being perceived as weak, or do not recognize depression as
a treatable illness.
*Treatments Are Effective*
*Mary couldn't sleep at night and had trouble staying awake and
concentrating during the day. After visiting the doctor and being put on
medication for depression, she found that her symptoms disappeared and her
work and social life improved.*
More than 80% of people with depression can be treated effectively,
generally without missing much time from work or needing costly
hospitalization.
There is a choice of treatments available, including medications,
psychological treatments, or a combination of both. These treatments usually
relieve the symptoms of depression in a matter of weeks.
*What Can A Supervisor Do?*
What Can a Supervisor Say to a Depressed Person?
"I'm concerned that you've been late to work recently and aren't
meeting your performance objectives ... I'd like to see you get back on
track. I don't know whether this is the case for you, but if you have a
personal problem you can speak confidentially to one of our employee
assistance counselors. The service was set up to help employees who are
experiencing personal problems. Our conversation today and your appointment
with the counselor are confidential. Whether or not you contact this
service, you will still be expected to meet your performance goals."
*As a supervisor, you can:*
Learn about depression and the sources of help. Reading this brochure is a
good first step. Familiarize yourself with your company's health benefits.
Find out if your company has an employee assistance program (EAP) that can
provide on-site consultation or refer employees to local resources.
Recognize when an employee shows signs of a problem affecting performance
which may be depression-related and refer appropriately. As a supervisor you
cannot diagnose depression. You can, however, note changes in work
performance and listen to employee concerns. If your company does have an
EAP, ask a counselor for suggestions on how best to approach an employee who
you suspect is experiencing work problems that may be related to depression.
When a previously productive employee begins to be absent or tardy
frequently, or is unusually forgetful and error-prone, he/she may be
experiencing a significant personal or health problem. Discuss changes in
work performance with the employee. You may suggest that the employee seek
consultation if there is a personal problem. Confidentiality of any
discussion with the employee is critical.
If an employee voluntarily talks with you about health problems, including
feeling depressed or down all the time, keep these points in mind:
- Do not try to diagnose the problem yourself.
- Recommend that any employee experiencing symptoms of depression
seek professional consultation from an EAP counselor or other health or
mental health professional.
- Recognize that a depressed employee may need a flexible work
schedule during treatment. Find out about your company's approach by
contacting your human resources specialist.
- Remember that severe depression may be life threatening to the
employee, but rarely to others. If an employee makes comments like "life is
not worth living"" or "people would be better off without me ,"" take the
threats seriously. Immediately call an EAP counselor or other specialist and
seek advice on how to handle the situation.
*Professional Help Is Available From:*
- Physicians
- Mental health specialists
- Employee assistance programs
- Health maintenance organizations
- Community mental health centers
- Hospital departments of psychiatry or outpatient psychiatric clinics
- University or medical school affiliated programs
- State hospital outpatient clinics
- Family service/social agencies
- Private clinics and facilities
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