CORNER BROOK — Depression is not just one thing, but has many different diagnoses and impacts every person in its own way.
Regardless of its form, says Western Health psychologist Irene Barrett, it can have many affects in the workplace if undetected and/or ignored.
With an average of one in 20 employees facing depression, Barrett said it is something everyone should consider. However, that is often not the case.
“It is not something you think about on a daily basis,” she said, while addressing the Rotary Club of Corner Brook recently. “Am I sitting in the room with somebody who may be going through a bit of a rough time?”
There are often personal changes in people that those who are in regular contact could notice, the psychologist said. There could be an increase in irritability or hostility, either withdrawal from or extreme dependence on others; a sense of hopelessness or despair, slowness of speech, chronic fatigue, and alcohol or drug abuse.
There could also be a number of changes in the workplace behaviour of an individual which could raise a red flag, she said. All of a sudden a person could have difficulty making decisions, decreased productivity, inability to concentrate, decline in dependability, unusual increase in errors or inconsistency in work, being prone to accidents, frequent tardiness or increased sick days, and lack of enthusiasm for work.
Barrett said there are significant impacts in the workplace for this type of behaviour. It could lead to increased sick days, an increase in coworker resentment, more disciplinary actions or dismissal, more workplace conflict, increase burnout or job turnover, a decrease in individual or team productivity, and a decrease in team connection.
Although it may be a difficult subject to approach with an employee or coworker, in some cases it may be against a person’s right to ask if they are depressed, she said. However, it is important to find ways to address the situation.
“In the workplace consider depression as a plausible cause for unfavourable employee behaviour,” she said.
Barrett said an individual can be approached and informed of the changes that are being noticed, and they can be asked if there is anything they need.
“A lot of times, if it is somebody who is going through a lot, if you are able to name the behaviour and just ask if they need support, a lot of times they will reach out,” she said.
Barrett said it is important depression is addressed, especially because it is one of the most successfully cured mental illnesses. With counselling and supports, there is an 80 per cent success rate in recovery.
