5 Ways to Tackle Depression Treatment in the Workplace

Depression
We all feel fed up, miserable and sad at times and feeling depressed for a period of time is experienced very differently to depression. Perhaps your life at home, work or in business is affected by your low mood and you are struggling to overcome reoccurring negative thinking. Between 8-12% of the population experience depression in any year so you are not alone.

Many executives I work with in our private coaching programmes suffering with depression, stress or anxiety fear a reprisal from their bosses, shareholders or work colleagues. People with mental health problems like depression are at more than twice the risk of losing their jobs compared to the general population. Hence it is not surprising that it maybe difficult to ask for help. Using an online service can protect your anonymity and provide you with the confidence needed to seek help.

Depression Facts
It is estimated that 450 million people worldwide have a mental health problem. Mixed anxiety and depression is the most common mental health problem in Britain. One in five people suffer with depression and women are more likely to be treated for depression than men. It is estimated that about 10% of our children are suffering with depression.

Self harm statistic for the UK are the highest in Europe and suicide rates show that British men are three times more likely to die through suicide then women. Stress, anxiety and depression account for one third of the 168 million working days lost in the UK.

Depression symptoms
This is no small problem, many people are suffering from symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety effecting them at home and work. You may of recently experienced a bereavement, lost your job or going through a relationship breakdown and struggling to combat depression.

Depression symptoms include experiencing a loss of interest and pleasure, excessive feelings of worthlessness and guilt, hopelessness, morbid or suicidal thoughts and weight loss or weight gain. If you have experienced at least 2 or 3 of these symptoms most of the day, nearly every day for the last two weeks you could be experiencing depressive episodes, classified as low, moderate or severe depending on your symptoms.

Depression treatment
Treatment of depression can vary depending on the level of symptoms diagnosed. However it is important to see your GP and get a proper diagnosis. You may be referred to a psychiatrist for a full assessment if you are suffering with severe depression and spending a period of time in hospital or receiving more intensive treatment could be necessary. Mostly people are treated with medication like anti depressants and talking therapies such as CBT counselling or psychotherapy.

Exercise and nutrition have also been proven to effect moods and you can improve depression from regular physical exercise and a balanced healthy diet. Now a days alternative therapies, religion or spirituality are also encouraged in the treatment of depression. Acupuncture, reflexology, herbal remedies as well as the power of prayer or mediation have been proven to help depression.

Depression treatment becoming part of business?
Companies who value their employees already set aside a percentage of their profits to invest in private healthcare and employee assistance schemes as a benefit to employees. However in each case of stress related ill health, it leads to an average of 31 days lost in a year, translating to the cost of 4.1 billion to our economy.

No surprises then that organisations are taking more of an interest in the treatment for depression and taking a more proactive stance with their employees. The World Health organisation forecast that by 2020 depression will be the second leading contributor to global disease. Hence raising awareness and promoting the treatment of depression can be a useful preventative measure to help individuals, companies and the economy not just financially but emotionally at home, work and in business.

5 ways to tackle depression treatment in the workplace.

1. Get some basic mental health awareness training. If you do not have someone in your company to do this outsource it. 7 out of 10 managers have had an experience of managing a staff member with a diagnosed mental health problem but less than 20% of these felt equipped to handle this situation well.

2. Complete back to work interviews with your staff. This helps to reduce absenteeism and enables you to become aware of any issues earlier.

3. Put stress on the agenda for team meetings from time to time. Facilitating an open, generic discussion about stress, anxiety and depression can raise awareness in the team which helps to reduce stigma.

4. Provide a clear route for staff to get help and support who are suffering with depression. Talking therapies or one to one coaching for staff who continuously have separate one day absences or are on long term sick for a stress related illness.

5. Audit your teams stress levels informally as part of an away day. Follow this up with information about depression, stress or anxiety, that signposts employees where to get help. This preventative and demonstrates you are taking the mental health of your employees seriously.