From Blue to You
Men and Depression
in the Workplace
What is depression?
• A mental disorder or illness
• Involves the body, mood, and thoughts
Is depression common?
• 6 million men in the United States
• Estimates suggest this number is on the
rise
Depression and the workplace
• 1 in 5 employees will have depression
during their lifetime
• Employers spend $30 to $44 billion on
untreated depression
• 97 percent of men with depression say it
interferes with work
Depression and the workplace
• Job stress plays important role
• Job characteristics contribute to
depression
What are the symptoms?
• Physical symptoms
•
Psychosocial symptoms
• Symptoms in the workplace
Stigma, depression, and work
• As you watch the video, listen for thoughts
on stigma and depression
• Pay attention to discussion of work life
What do you hear about stigma?
If you think you have depression
on the job…
• Get help
• Keep working as much as you can
• Employee Assistance Program
• Delay important decisions
If you think you have depression
on the job…
• Prioritize tasks
• Set realistic goals
• Spend time with supportive coworkers
• Review your work schedule
If a male coworker or employee
has depression…
• Encourage the person to get help
• Do not accuse the person of faking illness or
laziness
• Include your colleague
in activities
If a male coworker or employee
has depression…
• Communicate respectfully
• Educate yourself about depression
• Be willing to talk and offer support
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References
Healthyplace.com (2008). Depression in the workplace.
www.healthyplace.com/Communities/Depression/related/work.asp
Mayo Clinic Staff (2008). Male depression: Don't ignore the symptoms.
Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/maledepression/MC00041
Mayo Clinic Staff (2008). Depression. Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175
Mental Health America (2008). Depression in the workplace.
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/information/getinfo/depression/depression-in-the-workplace
NIMH (2008). Men and Depression. Retrieved from
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/men-anddepression/depression.shtml
Nutrition Health Center (2008). Depression Statistics Information.
Retrieved from http://www.add-adhd-helpcenter.com/Depression/statistics.htm
Robertson, J. & Primo, S. (2008). Depression at work: Reducing stigma and
improving outcomes. West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University.
www.purdue.edu/hr/pdf/DEPRESSION%20IN%20THE%20WORKPLACE.p
df
For More Information…
www.bluetoyou.org
Leigh Ann Simmons; MFT, PhD
former Assistant Professor
Department of Family Studies
Ester Edwards, BS
Graduate student
Department of Family Studies
Leslie Crofford, MD
Professor,
College of Medicine
Health Education through Extension Leadership
The development of the HEEL program was made possible by
Senator Mitch McConnell with funds earmarked for the University
of Kentucky, College o f Agriculture, Lexington Ky. and budgeted
through the CSREES/USDA Federal Administration.
April 2010
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