Is it possible to develop depression at work? Unfortunately, the answer is yes, and far from being a malady that is on the decline, annual studies indicate a steady growth that worries professionals dedicated to mental health treatment.
The reality seems to surpass the alarming predictions made years ago by entities such as the World Health Organization. Statistics show that up to 60% of absences from work are directly related to mental health issues, with disorders such as anxiety and depression leading the way.
Although work is not necessarily the primary cause of depression, it may aggravate it and, consequently, affect other aspects of daily life, which are also involved.
Ensuring mental health at work is also the responsibility of the employer. Therefore, it is important that you, as an employer, verify the needs of your employees and implement the necessary tools to ensure their well-being and permanence.
What is depression?
Depression is a serious illness that affects not only mental health, but is also capable of physically affecting an individual’s daily development.
This disease leads the individual to a state of permanent deep sadness, which can significantly alter his or her personal, social and work life.
Depression at work: Causes and symptoms
The number of people with depression at work has increased exorbitantly in recent years. However, you should be aware that the work environment is not the only cause of depression.
Excessive workloads, lack of encouragement or recognition from top management can lead employees to a state of demotivation, which will ultimately affect their job performance and productivity.
According to the official Gouvernement du Québec website, some of the main risk factors are related to lack of job security, work overload or communication difficulties. In addition, conflictive interpersonal relationships or lack of autonomy.
Some of the symptoms of depression at work are lack of attendance by employees, lack of productivity and work stagnation.
In addition, situations such as the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, many workers have been forced to work from home, increasing the risk of developing patterns of anxiety or depression.
According to research, human interactions affect brain functioning. Some studies have also shown that the size of an individual’s social network is associated with better cognitive functioning.
For this reason, limiting the interaction of individuals can significantly affect their mood and it is not new that the same happens with their mental health. However, this is more of a circumstantial fact, so you as an employer must ensure that your employees have the necessary mechanisms in place to deal with depression.
Strategies to ensure psychological health in the workplace
If you have been suffering from depression at work for some time, the first thing you should know is that you are not alone. While this condition can affect your professional relationships or job performance, with professional help, you can get through this stage successfully.
If you suspect that your co-worker may be suffering from depression, you should talk to your supervisor or human resources department. These departments will be able to provide you with a confidential counselor.
You should also consider seeing a therapist or psychologist for additional help if needed.
How to ensure a smooth gradual return to work after depression?
To prevent depression at work, you must take the first step in getting help. Whether it is regular talk therapy or medication, the first step in getting help is to seek treatment.
Another way to deal with depression at work is to sign up for the company’s Employee Assistance Program and thus ensure a calmer and more humane return. In addition, make sure that there is no toxic work environment among your employees and that everyone is willing to help those colleagues who are going through a difficult time.
Depression is a serious mental illness and should not be taken lightly. Employers should provide a comfortable environment for their employees to get help. This can be done by creating a confidential environment for employees, involving professionals from different areas such as psychology or psychiatry.
If you are looking for a complete service for your employees, do not hesitate to contact us. For more detailed information and personalized attention, you can contact us by clicking on the option in the top bar, at our phone number 800-667-2865 or visit us at 3131 boul. Saint-Martin Ouest, bureau 410 Laval, QC, H7T 2Z5.