Treatment for Depression in the Workplace: Resolution of Workplace Depression

What is the key to treatment for depression in the workplace?  Is there one secret that company owners and/or employees can discover with respect to the prevention, treatment and resolution of depression in the workplace? Treatment for depression in the workplace is extremely important for everyone.  

The nature of depression is such that it is not always immediately evident in any workplace. It often appears like a foreboding, dark cloud that hovers over people who are trying to work and infiltrates every part of their daily work, as well as their lives. Depression may also appear as a mask that people wear to conceal their real thoughts and feelings, from others in the workplace.  

Obtaining proper treatment for depression in the workplace can be an important factor in determining the productivity of a company, as well as that of the employer and one, or more of the employees. Ultimately, treatment of depression in the workplace can be or become crucial in determining the success or failure of a company.  

Depression in the workplace is far more common than most people realize and includes both employers and employees.

Health care workers and safety experts may be able to identify depression in the workplace immediately. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Sometimes, it remains undiscovered, until it is too late.   

Employers can be depressed for many reasons. This often has to do with financial concerns involving company ownership, management and transition related to modernization and thus, associated with high levels of stress, anxiety and tension.

Employees can be depressed for many different reasons, too. They may not always recognize depression as a factor that affects their employment. At times, employees may not comprehend or perceive the reality that the owner of the company they work for is functioning in a state of depression. Whether they are aware of it or not, this affects them adversely.  

Invariably company owners and employees carry concerns and issues from home, to work. Not every kind of depression is work-related. Each person brings personal baggage and it can contribute to his or her state of depression, as well as that of others. For example, at home, there may be marital conflict and family concerns like childcare, income, housing and transportation. There may also be health-related problems. 

Most employees do not want to lose their jobs and may keep these under cover. Inwardly, the employee may be depressed, while outwardly, he or she wears a smile.       

Depression often distorts and masks numerous concerns or issues in the workplace. Normally, these can be resolved in a safe, healthy and humane manner. Minor issues can turn into major issues, if they become magnified or distorted. Frustration and anger can invade the workplace and a sense of hopelessness and helplessness may prevail.    

Depression can be a fatal mask that both the owner and the employees wear at times, because they do not want to reveal their depression to one another. In fact, they may try to hide it, subconsciously or consciously knowing that it does affect others adversely. It can lead to suicidal tendencies or incidences of suicide. 

What are some of the causes of depression in the workplace?

Factors in the environment one works in, can cause people to become depressed.

For example, depression can be the result of poor lighting, inadequate ventilation, extreme temperatures, fumes, dust or other allergens. Having to work with equipment that is obsolete, unsafe or something that malfunctions unexpectedly can be frustrating. Overcrowding in a work place can cause added tension and stress. So can working in an environment where one or many people are not adequately trained or qualified. Heavy workloads, having to work too many hours or not enough hours can be related factors.  

Perhaps one of the keys to treatment for depression in the workplace lies in the recognition and acknowledgement that a potential or actual problem, exists. If it is not recognized or acknowledged, it is not likely to be resolved either.

Treatment of depression en masse, in a company, may require a revision of basic employment standards and policies, a project in which employers and employees can participate.

Honesty has a lot to do with depression, as many employers and employees can sense when honesty does not prevail. For example, the truth about pending closure of a company may go undisclosed to employees by their employers, in an attempt to prevent anger, frustration and depression. When there is honesty, employees know what they are dealing with and can prepare for it, ahead of time.

Having one or two disgruntled employers or employees can result in mass depression of all of the employees, as this kind of attitude spreads like wildfire. Resolving it may entail measures that appear unfair to the disgruntled employees, like removal from that particular area of work or dismissal, but doing so may change the entire employer/employee atmosphere for the better, almost immediately.

Unions may be able to resolve issues that cause depression. Ideally, when there are serious environmental concerns in the workplace, these need to be resolved as soon as possible. Different strategies that include both the employer and the employees can help to bring about effective resolution of environmental concerns.

The fluctuating state of the economy has a lot to do with depression in the workplace. While employers and employees feel a sense of helplessness and hopelessness, talking about it together on a regular basis, allows people to vent their thoughts and feelings. For example, something as simple as a rise in the price of gasoline can result in employer or employee anger, frustration and depression. Establishing company discounts can be helpful.

A team or buddy system can be effective with respect to treating depression in the workplace, as each person has someone to relate to, instead of merely internalizing his or her depression.

There is no such thing as mass, medical treatment of depression in the workplace, with anti-depressant medication, although the current trend is to attempt to treat everything and everyone with pills. Pills may be beneficial in some instances, but not in every situation. The use of anti-depressants for depressed workers is not advisable, as there can be adverse side effects. Medication can affect any worker’s ability to function safely.     

Anyone in a workplace who is manifesting continual, severe symptoms of depression should seek professional, medical guidance, as he or she may suffer a chemical imbalance like that found in mental disorders like schizophrenia. If, or when, the source of the problem is located for one patient, health and safety consultants may discover contributing factors that affect others too.

PubMedHealth describes depression as “feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps” something that affects everyone at one time or another, while “true clinical depression” is “a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for a long period of time.” (1)  

This kind of depression can interfere with one’s ability to function at work.

The excessive use of nicotine, alcohol or other substance abuse with resulting addiction can trigger depression. Because social factors are involved, this can adversely affect many employers and employees. Rehabilitation and support groups for individuals and their families prove to be beneficial.

Regular healthy, socialization programs for employers and employees, can help to boost company morale and increase enthusiasm, confidence and happiness. Ongoing motivation that includes a bonus, a reward of some kind or recognition is important.

Effective communication among employers and employees reduces the likelihood of depression in the workplace and improves company morale. (2)  

Treatment of depression in the workplace is not always easy, or even possible. There are times when situations and circumstances that lead to depression in a workplace are not changeable and the problems cannot be resolved. Identifying, acknowledging and dealing with causes of depression, in a suitable manner, can help to bring about resolution. If the causes are life threatening, employers and employees should consider safety first.      

Ongoing training or re-training programs encourage employers and employees to stay updated in terms of technological advances, reducing the level of depression in a workplace. So do extra-curricular activities, like sports or competitions.

Remember that busy people are usually happier people.

Practicing happiness regardless of one’s circumstances is a good starting point, with regard to overcoming depression. Music, art and other creative activities bring joy into a workplace, as do fun, good humor and laughter, which collectively may prove to be the best treatment of all, for workplace stress, anxiety and depression.