Depression in the workplace

Carol DuffFreelance Trainer

14th November 2013

Aims

Myths around depression and mental health conditions

What is depression

Depression in the workplace

How to help someone

Training available

Fact Or Fiction?

Depression is rare and unusual and none of my staff have a mental health condition

Depression is common

1 in 5 people will experience

depression at some point in their lives

People with severe mental health conditions are not able to work

Fact Or Fiction?

The vast majority of people who have

experienced a mental health condition

continue or return to work successfully

Working makes mental health problems worse

Fact Or Fiction?

However poor conditions in the workplace can impact on poor mental health therefore it is

essential to foster a healthy work environment

Being out of work can be more detrimental to

mental health

There is evidence that work is generally good for health and

wellbeing

Someone who has previously had a mental health condition will have a bad sickness record in the

future

Fact Or Fiction?

Over 70% of people have a single episode and then fully

recover

Although people can and do sometimes need time off work with their mental

health condition – most can and do recover and only some experience problems over a

longer period of time

Stigma and disclosure

Many people don’t disclose a mental health condition for fear of discrimination

Many people don’t understand mental health conditions and avoid talking about them

This can exacerbate the issue

Finding the balance

Employers need to be able to recognise signs of ill health

and provide appropriate support

They need to understand how to encourage good

mental health

Employers want to maximise productivity and also support

employees

Depression

But for some people, depression goes on for longer, and becomes so severe that they

find it hard to carry on with their normal

lives

Everyone feels sad, fed up or miserable sometimes

Continuum of Mental well being

Mental illness

Positive mental

wellbeing

Clinical depression

A clinical depression is one that lasts for at least 2 weeks

and affects the person physically, emotionally,

cognitively and behaviourally

It interferes with the person’s ability to carry out his or her work or to have satisfying

personal relationships.

Emotional Changes

SadnessIncreased anxiety or stressFeelings of guiltAngerMood swingsLack of emotional responsivenessHelplessnessHopelessness

Changes in thinkingFrequent self-criticismSelf-blameWorryingPessimismPoor memory and concentrationDifficulty making decisionsConfusionTendency to believe that others see you negativelyIn severe cases thoughts of death and suicide

Physical changes

Chronic fatigueLack of energySleeping too much or too littleOvereating or loss of appetiteConstipationWeight loss or gainIrregular menstrual cycleLoss of libidoUnexplained aches and pains

Changes in Behaviour

Crying spellsWithdrawal from othersNeglect of responsibilitiesLoss of interest in personal appearanceLoss of motivationMaking more mistakes

How depression might present in workplace?

Decreased productivityMorale problemsLack of co-operationSafety problemsAbsenteeismFrequent complaints of being tired all the timeComplaints of unexplained aches and painsAlcohol and/or other drug misuse

What can you do to help or advise

Help the person to feel hope and optimismUnderstand that depression is commonDepression is a real medical condition

Effective help is available

What doesn’t help

Being told to snap out of itBeing told to cheer upBeing made to feel a failureDepression being seen as a weakness

Where can you get help for depression?

Self help GPCounsellingCognitive behaviour therapyLocal groups i.e CruiseMedication

What can help in the workplace?

Raising awareness of mental health conditionsPromoting well-beingIdentifying the early warning signs and talking at

an early stageKeeping in touch during sickness absenceOccupational healthConsidering reasonable adjustmentsOngoing support and review

Benefits of Intervention

• The total cost to employers is estimated at nearly £26 billion each year

• That is equivalent to £1,035 for every employee in the UK workforce

• Simple steps to improve the management of mental health in the workplace should enable employers to save 30% or more of these costs - at least £8 billion a year

Training available

• Mental Health First Aid ( 2 day course)• Mental Health First Aid Lite ( 3 hour session)• Line Managers Mental health awareness ( 6 hours) • Employee Mental Health Awareness ( 3 hours)• Managing stress in the workplace

Summary

None of us are immune to mental health conditions

Both the employer and the employee are responsible for looking after their own mental

wellbeing

Small changes and proactive support can encourage good mental health and in turn

maximise productivity

There is help and support available

Useful information

• www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/employment• www.moodgym.anu.edu.au• www.depressionalliance.org.uk• www.mentalhealth.org.uk• www.mind.org.uk• www.mindfulemployer.net• www.hse.uk• www.mhfaengland.org/news/mhfa-england-updates-

shift-line-managers-resource• www.getselfhelp.co.uk• www.ntw.nhs.uk/pic/selfhelp

Thank you & questions

Contact Detailscarol.duff@rdash.nhs.uk