Depression is a common mental health problem that is significantly different from mere unhappiness or sadness. It is a long lasting, often recurring illness.
The symptoms and severity of feelings of depression may be different for each person and may include:
- eating or sleeping too much or too little, including frequent waking during the night
- difficulty getting to sleep or being unable to wake in the morning
- loss of interest in daily activities
- a lack of energy
- loss of sex drive
- excessive crying and being easily upset
- thoughts of suicide or feelings of wanting to escape from the way one is feeling
- restlessness, agitation and irritability
- headaches, digestive disorders or nausea
- persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, isolation, helplessness and hopelessness
- difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
- feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
There are some successful resources and strategies available for people with depression in the workplace. These include use of:
Mental health first aid training is available to help employers and co-workers recognise and support people with depression:
Funding is available through the Employment Assistance Fund to enable employers to organise mental health first aid training for staff within the workplace when they have a staff member with a mental health condition. See link below for more information:
Depression can be episodic in nature, so discussing flexible work options with an employee might be a good option, for example, changing shifts to daylight hours where possible, or starting later in the day:
Depression can affect an employee's productivity, judgment, ability to work with others, and overall job performance. The inability to concentrate fully or make decisions may lead to costly mistakes or accidents. Some suggestions for management include:
References
Better Health 2009, Depression - an overview, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 18 May 2010, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Depression_an_overview?open.
Beyond Blue 2009, What is depression?, Beyond Blue, Melbourne, viewed 18 May 2010, http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=89.