#Taking time out for depression how to

This research-based model of care has more than 80 studies showing its effectiveness in improving treatment outcomes. Employers should also confirm that their health plans are using a validated screening tool, like the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).Įmployers should also inform their health plans that they want primary care clinicians to conduct routine depression screenings and to offer collaborative care. One important step is to include depression screening in health risk appraisals (HRAs) and EAP programs.

Inappropriate reactions, strained relationshipsĮmployers are uniquely positioned to encourage employees to get help if they are experiencing depression.

Unsure of abilities, lack of confidence.

Late to work, afternoon fatigue, accidents.

Procrastination, indecisiveness, slowed productivity.

Putting things off, missed deadlines, accidents.

Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt.

Difficulty concentrating, slowed thoughts.

Loss of Interest in work or social activities.

Here is helpful information to share with employees and managers to raise awareness about depression in the workplace: What Depression Feels Like The more employers raise the visibility of mental health, the more it will be normalized, increasing the likelihood that employees will seek care when needed. The materials are accessed by thousands of employers addressing workplace mental health. Through Right Direction, employers have access to a library of customizable high impact tools and resources.

Reduce the stigma surrounding mental health conditions.

Promote early recognition of symptoms and.

Raise awareness about depression in the workplace and its effect on productivity.

This turn-key initiative provides employers with tools to: The Center for Workplace Mental Health and a national employer coalition, Employers Health, created Right Direction, for just this purpose. Include content about depression in company newsletters, on the intranet and in other regular employee communication platforms.Ĭonsider an initiative that brings a discussion about depression out in the open and encourages employees to seek help when needed. Integrate mental health information into all health communication strategies.

#Taking time out for depression how to

Mental health remains a taboo topic so train supervisors and employees on how to start a conversation if they are concerned about an employee. Tips for Employers AwarenessĮducate employees and managers about mental health conditions, including depression, and encourage employees to seek help when needed. Like most other health conditions, early detection and effective treatment lessen the severity and impact of the condition.Įmployers can play a key role in supporting the early identification of depression and other mental health conditions and improving access to care. It may also adversely impact multiple areas of employee performance, including focus and decision making, time management, completing physical tasks, social interactions, and communication.

It contributes to presenteeism, or employees at work but not engaged, and absenteeism, or employees missing days of work. How Does Depression Impact the Workplace?ĭepression, left untreated, may have a significant impact on work performance. Women are more likely than men to experience depression.ĭepression can affect anyone-even a person who appears to live in relatively ideal circumstances. It can strike at any time but often first appears during the late teens to mid-20s. Restless activity (e.g., hand-wringing or pacing) or slowed movements and speechĭepression affects an estimated 16 million Americans or almost 7% of the population.

Changes in appetite, overeating or not eating enough.Difficulty concentrating and making decisions.Loss of interest in pleasure in activities previously enjoyed.It can be more serious and negatively affect how a person feels, thinks and acts, decreasing their ability to function well at home and at work.Īccording to American Psychiatric Association's Depression page, depression is diagnosed if a person experiences these symptoms for more than two weeks: What Is Depression?ĭepression is not just about having a bad day. The key is to help employees access effective care. Yet with proper treatment, people with depression can get better. About half of employees with depression are untreated. Depression costs employers an estimated $44 billion each year in lost productivity. Why are more employers focusing on workplace mental health? Because they recognize it is costly to ignore. Depression: A Costly Condition for Businesses