Dealing With Depression in the Workplace

It can be difficult to know the best way to handle depression in the workplace. Although we know that employers should be kind and caring, with only our best interests at heart, it’s perhaps fair to say that is not always the case.

However, it’s important to be realistic and understand the practicalities surrounding depression in the workplace. It is worth noting that at least one in ten of us will suffer from depression at some point in our working lives, so there is no reason to be embarrassed or ashamed.

There is, on the other hand, a reason to be a little cautious about how we deal with depression in the workplace, because there is no doubt that it is not a positive attribute to add to your personnel files. If you work for a large company or have a particularly effective HR department, there may be a system in place to support you through your depression, but unless you are aware of this, you may not choose to speak to your employers.

Seek Help

With around 70% of sufferers of depression not seeking any help or support, perhaps it is important to mention that there is a great deal of help available through your GP. Your doctor should be your first port of call as they will be able to offer coping strategies to deal with your daily routine, as well as medication and/or counselling if required.

If you are finding work particularly hard to deal with, you could perhaps request a doctor’s note so that you can be signed off for a period of time, usually one or two weeks at a time. However, you will need to decide how necessary this is as it will go on your personnel file at work. Even the most supportive employer can use the information in your files when the going gets tough.

Don’t Jeopardise Your Job

So, what can you do when you’re suffering from depression and do not want to jeopardise your employment? This is a really difficult situation because you will benefit from some time off and communications with your GP, but you also don’t want to say too much to your employers unless you really have to.

Although it may sound frustrating, you could start by booking some time off as a holiday. Use the time to think about how you feel, how your job is making you feel and whether or not your job is contributing to your depression. Of course, depression does not always have a cause, certainly not one that you can identify, but it may be that certain aspects of your life are having a negative impact.

If you have been able to identify certain triggers or situations that are not helping, you could speak to your employers about reducing these, or take steps to apply for a new job if you decide that your current role is having too much of an impact on your health. Remember that you may be happier earning less money if you are currently in a highly stressful job.

Coping Strategies

If you decide that, at least for the time being, you want to stay in your current job and not inform your employers of your depression, you will need to develop coping strategies.

Examples that can often help include ensuring you arrive on time each day, well prepared, to avoid that stressful feeling first thing. You can also make sure you have a balanced diet and regular exercise – walking to work, or at least getting off the bus a stop earlier can help get in the right frame of mind. If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed at work, even five minutes in a quiet place on your own (the toilets are often the only place!) can help you gather your thoughts before going back into the office environment.