1 battling the blues presented by cigna employee assistance program copyright 2008 cigna healthcare...
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1
Battling the BluesPresented by
CIGNA Employee Assistance Program
Copyright 2008 CIGNA HealthCare – Confidential & Privileged – Not for Distribution
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Seminar Goals
Know the definition, signs and symptoms of depression
Effects on workplace, children and family
Obstacles to seeking help
Treatments for depression
How to talk to a depressed person about getting help
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What is Depression?
Definition of depression
Types of depression
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Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Sadness
Feelings of extreme guilt
Suicidal ideas
Insomnia
Diminished interest in activities
Difficulty concentrating
Anxiety
Appetite changes
Weight changes
Irritability
Mood swings
Distorted thinking
Low self-esteem
Feelings of hopelessness
Exhaustion
Feelings of helplessness
Agitation
Social withdrawal
Indecisiveness
Decreased sexual interest
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Effects of Depression in the Workplace
Decreased productivity
Morale problems
Lack of cooperation
Safety problems, accidents
Absenteeism
Frequent complaints of being tired all the time
Complaints of unexplained aches and pains
Alcohol and drug abuse
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Effects of Depression on Children and Family
A parent with depression:
Shows less warmth toward children
Is less involved with them
Provides less guidance and supervision
Is less nurturing
Is more likely to have marriage conflicts
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Effects of Depression on Children and Family (cont.)
The child:
Learns to interpret the world as a negative place
Has a negative role model
Has lower self-esteem
Is more easily influenced by peers
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Obstacles to Seeking Treatment
Embarrassment, stigma of mental illness: “Only crazy people go to shrinks.”
Belief that depression is a personal weakness: “I just need to buckle down and deal with it.”
Worry that “It costs too much,” or “I don’t have time.”
Belief that treatment won’t help
Feeling that “I don’t deserve help.”
Inability to take action (severe depression)
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Treatments for Depression
Inpatient
• If danger to self or others
• Should include both medication and psychotherapy
Outpatient
• Psychotherapy – talk therapy, one-to-one, group and/or marital
• Medication
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Need to be aware of dual diagnosis e.g. alcohol/drugs and depression
About 80% recover with appropriate treatment
Improvement usually seen in weeks
Treatments for Depression (cont.)
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What Can a Supervisor Do?
Learn about depression
Know where to get help
Recognize signs that may be depression-related
Discuss changes in work performance and listen to concerns
Don’t diagnose the problem
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What Can a Supervisor Do? (continued)
Recommend professional consultation
Tell employee about EAP
Be flexible to accommodate treatment
Take comments about suicide seriously and consult with the EAP yourself
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How to Talk to a Depressed Partner, Friend or Co-worker About Seeking Help
Say “You don’t have to feel that way. There are effective treatments.”
Offer to research benefits coverage and how it works (e.g. prior authorization).
Offer to find a provider; schedule or take him or her to an appointment.
Help get a prescription filled.
Encourage staying in treatment and/or continuing to take medication.
If person is suicidal, call the therapist or local mental health emergency services.