Depression at Work
All around the world, in every society, from advanced ones to poor states, depression is increasing. In Canada, 22% of people had been diagnosed with depression in 2020. Many of these suffering individuals experience depression symptoms in their workplace. Hard-working conditions or sad working environments can worsen cues like stress, anxiety and discontent. Work depression symptoms are pretty much like ordinary depression: low energy, lack of concentration and motivation, hopelessness, et cetera. If you do nothing about it, it will cost you your job.
What employers should do?
They must acknowledge depression as a potential problem for their employees. They should constantly provide mental health education and encourage employees to speak about it whenever the problem shows up. In many cultures, depression still remains a taboo subject and the workforce is unlikely to share these issues with supervisors. Therefore, managers have a key role to convince everyone that there is nothing to be ashamed of when they suffer from depression. It also seems necessary to integrate depression into companies’ health programs.
What about employees?
It is very important to know about depression. Many think they will become better if they don’t pay attention to the sickness, and some others panic when they notice it and think there is no way to escape from the problem. Both groups are wrong. When you feel depression symptoms, remember that depression is not about having a bad day at work. It is a constant feeling that affects our whole lives. You should actively start the treatment process. Do not be shy to share your pains as they might worsen your conditions. Speak up and ask for help.