SIGNS OF WORK DEPRESSION

The signs of depression at work are similar to general depressive symptoms. That said, some may look more specific to a workplace setting. This depression tends to affect your level of functioning in your job, as well as at home.

Some of the common signs of work depression to be aware of include:

• Withdrawal or isolation from other
• Poor self-hygiene or significant change in
• Physical complaints like headaches, fatigue, and stomach
• An increase or decrease in weight or
• Late arrival at work, missed meetings, or absent days
• Procrastination, missed deadlines, reduced productivity and performance in tasks, increased errors, or difficulty in making decisions.
• Indifference, forgetfulness, detachment, and disinterest in
• An appearance of tiredness for most or part of the day (may be taking afternoon naps at work).
• Irritability, anger, feeling overwhelmed, or getting very emotional during conversations (may start crying suddenly or become tearful over small things).
• Lack confidence while attempting tasks
• Alcohol or substances

WHY YOU MIGHT BE DEPRESSED AT WORK

There are various reasons why you may be dealing with an increase in depressive symptoms at work place. The following situations may contribute to work depression:

• Feeling like you have no control over work issues
• Feeling like your job is in jeopardy
• Working in a toxic work environment
• Being overworked or underpaid
• Experiencing workplace harassment or discrimination
• Working irregular hours
• Lacking balance between work and home
• Working in a setting that doesn’t match your personal values
• Doing work that doesn’t further your career goals
• Experiencing poor or unsafe working conditions

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FEEL DEPRESSED WHILE WORKING

No matter where you work, managing symptoms at work can be challenging. The good news is that there are things you can do when you’re feeling depressed:

• Take a 10-minute break away from your desk or
• Take a lunch break and get
• Go for a quick walk during a break, exercise does wonders for mental health.
• Take a mental health
• Practice a few minutes of mindfulness
• Incorporate deep breathing exercises into your
• Watch a funny

THE COMMON RISK FACTORS FOR DEPRESSION AT WORK

Some of the risk factors for depression at work include:

• Dismissive managers
• Effort-reward imbalance
• Workplace politics
• Workplace gossip
• Workplace bullying
• High job demands
• Low decision latitude
• Limited social support in the workplace
• Unfair expectations
• Excessive workload
• Unclear or mismanaged roles at work

HOW TO MANAGE DEPRESSION RELATED TO WORK

If you’re noticing a link between depressive symptoms and your workplace, seek help immediately.

• Talking with your immediate supervisor or boss is a good first step- provided you feel supported by them.
• Sometimes a change in Assignment or Location within an office or organization can help reduce symptoms.
• In an organization, the human resource department can develop a work-based employee assistance program that offers mental health related services for personnel and work concerns.
• Outside of work, a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle interventions are often recommended for treating depression.

THE PARTING SHOT

 For a healthy society it is important to create a culture of spreading awareness and reducing the stigma associated with mental health disorders at the workplace, so that the affected individuals are encouraged to seek help freely without any prejudice when needed.

Experiencing symptoms of depression while at work can feel overwhelming but remember, you’re not alone. If you’re not ready to reach out at work, make an appointment with a health care provider or a mental health professional