It Pays to Stop Depression at Work

As you go about your job today, take a look around you. Behind your coworkers’ facades may lie what psychiatrists call the common cold of mental illness: Depression. Indeed, according to statistics quoted by the National Institute of Mental Health, in any given year, 9.5 percent of the population suffers from a depressive illness. That translates to 20.9 million American adults.

Depression doesn’t just hurt individuals. It damages families, relationships and even ends lives. And at work, it can take quite a toll on productivity and morale. So what can employers do when a worker is showing signs of depression?

According to this story, employers who offer help for depressed workers not only benefit their employees but the company’s bottom line. The study found that 5 percent more workers who participated in employer-provided help programs were employed by the end of the year than those who did not, helping to stem turnover and training costs. And a common problem for depressed employees -- excessive absenteeism -- was also curtailed.

Why do I bring this up now? Well, October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. It’s high time this all-too-common issue got the attention and treatment it deserves. If you’re not sure if you’re depressed, tomorrow is National Depression Screening Day. Go get screened, either on the phone or in person. And if you do find out you’re depressed, get help, either through your employer or elsewhere. You can survive depression. The millions of survivors are living proof.

For more on dealing with mental illness in the workplace, check out these Monster articles:

• “Depression at Work”
  
• “Workplace Support for Adults with Depressive Disorders”
  
• “Take Advantage of Your Employee Assistance Program”
  
• From the Monster Blog: “Depressed at Work? You’re Not Alone”

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