Depression at Work?
Businesses Should be Proactive in Helping Employees Fight the Blues
Mar 18, 2009
"Depression cost me a few million dollars because I wasn’t able to function at maximum capacity," admits Terrie Williams, a well-known publicist whose clients have included Eddie Murphy, Johnny Cochrane, Miles Davis, and Janet Jackson. The author of the book, Black Pain: It just looks like we’re not hurting, wrote about depression, how it affects the population, and how it personally impacted her life. Adds Williams, "I can't even count how many times I've done my job perfectly on the outside while on the inside I felt like I was falling apart."
Before getting help, Williams says she woke up regularly with crippling anxiety. One day, she collapsed and found herself so mentally paralyzed that she stayed in bed for three days. During that time, she ignored phone calls and e-mails, completely disconnecting herself from the outside world. Finally, two friends rescued Williams and got her an emergency appointment with a therapist that afternoon. She was then diagnosed with clinical depression and connected to a psychiatrist who finally prescribed medication to help put her on the path to recovery which would ultimately make her more effective in the workplace.
Workplace Depression is Commonplace
“Business owners and corporate America had better wise up, companies are losing more than $50 billion annually because people are not working due to depression. They’re calling in sick and filing disability claims,“ insists Williams. "Thousands and thousandsof people are sitting at their desks not working. Not working for themselves and not working for their employer."
Depression doesn't discriminate. Even though Williams has an extensive background in social work, she still wasn't able to cure her own mental health issues. “So while you can’t say that everybody you meet is suffering from depression, it’s a real condition," she emphasizes. "That's why you want to make sure that your managers recognize the signs so that employees who need help can get it.”
Workplace Depression SymptomsAccording to clinical psychologist Dr. Jeff Gardere, “some of the symptoms of depression that may occur in the workplace include absenteeism, unexplained low productivity, being hostile or argumentative to other employees, and demonstrating bouts of crying episodes to coworkers.”
Employers who identify depressed employees need to get involved, advises Gardere. But they should only act with forethought. “Read up on the signs, symptoms and interventions employers can offer,” he says. “You should also refer the person to the Employee Assistance Program for help as soon as possible. Also, you shouldn't be afraid to call the person into a meeting to ask them what they need.”
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