Assisting Employees who Experience
Depression
at Work
A Leader’s Guide for
Recognition and Response
Depression in the Workplace
Depression has become one of the most costly illnesses in the United States. Left untreated, depression
is as costly to the US economy as heart disease or AIDS, costing over $51 billion in absenteeism from
work and lost productivity and $26 billion in direct treatment costs. The impact of depression on job
performance has been estimated to be greater than that of many other long-term ailments, such as
arthritis, hypertension, back problems and diabetes. Depression tends to affect people in their prime
working years and may last a lifetime if untreated. More than 80 percent of people with clinical
depression can be successfully treated. With early recognition, intervention, and support, most
employees can overcome clinical depression and pick up where they left off.
Facts

Depression ranks among the top three workplace problems for employee assistance
professionals, following only family crisis and stress.

In a study of First Chicago Corporations, depressive disorders accounted for more than half of all
medical plan dollars paid for mental health problems. The amount for treatment of these claims
was close to the amount spent on treatment for heart disease.

The annual economic cost of depression in 1995 was $600 per depressed worker. Nearly onethird of these costs are for treatment and 72% are costs related to absenteeism and lost
productivity at work.

Almost 15% of those suffering from severe depression will die by suicide.
Recognizing Depression

Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness - A bleak outlook - nothing will ever get better and
there’s nothing will improve the situation.

Loss of interest in daily activities - No interest in hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex,
there is no ability to feel joy and pleasure.

Appetite or weight changes - Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than
5% of body weight in a month.

Sleep changes - Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or
oversleeping.

Concentration problems - Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
Recognizing Depression (cont’d)

Irritability or restlessness - Feeling agitated, restless, or on edge. Tolerance level is low and
everything and everyone is irritating.

Loss of energy - Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. One’s entire body may feel
heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.

Self-loathing - Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Harsh self-criticism for perceived faults
and mistakes.

Unexplained aches and pains - An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back
pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.
Recognizing Depression at Work
Most people who experience a decline in productivity and/or job satisfaction have no idea that
depression could be either a contributor or the cause. No two people experience depression in
the same manner. Symptoms vary in type, severity and duration. Typical symptoms include:

Decreased productivity



Missed deadlines, sloppy work
Morale problems or a change in disposition
Lack of cooperation and social withdrawal

Safety Problems or Accidents

Absenteeism or Tardiness



Complaints of being tired all the time
Complaints of unexplained aches and pains
Alcohol and/or Drug Abuse
Employee Attitudes Toward Depression


Often times a depressed employee will not seek treatment because they fear the affect it will
have on their job.
Concerned about confidentiality.

Many employees are also unaware they have depression or they fear their insurance is inadequate
to cover costs.

Most employers will refer a depressed employee for help if they are aware of the symptoms.
64% of NMHA Survey respondents said they would refer an employee to an EAP health
professional.
The Stigma of Depression
Many people wrongly view depression as a personal weakness or a character flaw. A recent survey by
the National Mental Health Association found that 43 percent of Americans still believe that depression
is the result of a weak will or a deficit in one's character. However, it is has a combination of biological
and environmental causes. Very few people go through life without experiencing some sort of
psychological problem. Depression is a serious illness and should not generate shame. Despite this selfstigmatization leaves people feeling shameful and guilty. The stigma may cause the illness to go
untreated and may also cause physical illness.
Depression Screening
Taking a depression-screening test is a useful way to identify symptoms of clinical depression.
A screening test of this type can identify the symptoms, but is not designed to provide a diagnosis. An
accurate diagnosis for depression and other psychiatric disorders can only be made by a qualified mental
health professional or physician after a complete evaluation. When attempting to diagnose a set of
symptoms, it is always wise to include a physical exam to rule out any medical illnesses or conditions.
Depression screening tools can be found on your health plan website as well as on the LifeMatters
website.
Where to Find Help
Health-Related Programs for Depression
Employee programs refer to activities that include active employee involvement, such as classes,
seminars or competitions. Employee programs are frequently provided on-site at the workplace.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) can offer information and referral services for
employees with symptoms of depression

Active EAPs are one of the most effective ways to support employees with depression or other
mental health problems, by offering counseling and referral services

Successful EAP programs are well integrated into the workplace; provide ongoing programming
to engage current and future clients; offer customized services based upon the needs of the
specific workplace and workers; and are responsive to acute and emerging workforce events,
stressors, and changes
Worksite health promotion programs such as physical activity are good adjunct
therapies in preventing and treating depression

Employees who participate in physical activity programs can decrease depression symptoms and
sometimes avoid mild depressive episodes

The health-related program strategies and interventions listed for physical activity include
lifestyle activities recommended to address depression
Raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of depression among managers and
employees through training

Managers and employees who are able to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression such
as tardiness, complaints of fatigue, reduction in work output or quality, safety problems or
accidents, and changes in attitude may help in the early identification and referral to screening
and treatment services for affected employees
Employee engagement/climate surveys can also provide information about
relationships in the workplace and highlight areas where improvements can be made

Surveys can be used to ascertain information about relationships among coworkers (e.g.,
conflicts); job demands such as time pressures or physical demands; and assess the level of
support provided by supervisors and colleagues which may contribute to the mental health of
workers and be used to develop training, communications, or other interventions to address
mental health in the workplace
Several Causes for Work Depression Can be Listed:












Unsafe or unsatisfactory work environment
Problems, financial strain or illness at home
Lack of promotion prospects
Income too low for the work load
Feelings of being unappreciated
Poor relations with management
Uninteresting work
Too much routine
No opportunity to use skills
Too much pressure to perform
Not enough participation in decisions affecting them
Poor health