Workplace Depression: Symptoms, And Strategies

workplace depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States. It is also one of the leading causes of disability. According to The National Institute of Mental Health, depression affects about 16 million adults in a given year. What you may not know is that depression can also affect your workplace. In this blog post, we will discuss workplace depression: what it is, how to recognize the signs, and some strategies for dealing with it.

Understanding Workplace Depression

workplace depression

As we all know, work can be a major source of stress in our lives. But did you know that it can also be a major source of depression? Workplace depression is a real problem that affects millions of workers every year. And it’s not just low-level jobs that are affected. Even high-powered executives and CEOs can suffer from workplace depression.

Workplace depression is a type of depression that is brought on by work-related stressors. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as job insecurity, long hours, excessive workloads, poor working conditions, and more. Workplace depression can also be caused by a lack of support at work. This can include a lack of job satisfaction, a lack of social support from co-workers, and a lack of recognition from employers.

Workplace Depression Vs. Workplace Stress

There is a striking difference between the two terms:

  • Stress is a normal response to a demanding situation. It can be caused by a one-time event, such as a presentation or deadline, or it can be caused by chronic stressors, such as a high-pressure job or an abusive boss.
  • While stress can lead to depression, it is not the same thing. Depression is a more serious condition that can have a significant impact on your ability to function at work and in other areas of your life.

Signs of Workplace Depression

Several signs may indicate that you are suffering from workplace depression. These include:

  • Thoughts of death or suicide
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Or feeling tired or having low energy
  • Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions
  • Changes in sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, waking up early, or sleeping too much

Causes And Risk Factors

Workplace Depression

Several factors can increase your risk of developing workplace depression. These include:

  • Working long hours
  • Lacking social support at work
  • Experiencing chronic stress at work
  • Having a negative work-life balance
  • Having a job that is high in demand and low in control
  • Or have a history of depression or other mental health disorders

Dealing With Workplace Depression

workplace depression

If you think you may be suffering from workplace depression, there are several things you can do to help yourself.

  • Take care of yourself physically. This means eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.
  • Create a support system. This can include friends, family, co-workers, or mental health professionals. Asking for help when you need it can make a big difference.
  • Know your rights. This means being aware of your company’s policies on mental health and knowing what resources are available to you.
  • Take breaks when you need them. This includes taking vacation days, using your sick days, and disconnecting from work when you are not at work.
  • Help yourself. Several strategies can help you manage your depression. These include relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); and medication.

Supporting Mental Wellness At Your Workplace

workplace depression

There are several things that HR leaders can do to support mental wellness and prevent depression in the workplace. These include:

  • Create a culture of open communication. This means creating an environment where employees feel comfortable talking about their mental health.
  • Offer resources and support. This can include Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), training on how to deal with stress, and access to mental health professionals.
  • Be aware of the signs of workplace depression. This means being able to identify when an employee is struggling and offer support.

How Mantra Care EAP Can Help You

workplace depression

There are several resources available to you, and there are strategies that can help manage workplace depression. With the right support, employees can recover from depression and continue to lead productive and fulfilling life.

In their journey to recovery, Mantra Care EAP can help them understand and manage their depression. If your employees are struggling with depression, we encourage you to reach out to us today. We can help them get the help they need to recover and thrive.

Mantra Care EAP is here to help you with the several services, including:

  • Counseling
  • Stress management
  • Yoga and meditation
  • Food chart and nutrition counseling

NOTE: Depression is a serious mental health condition that can have a significant impact on one’s ability to function at work. If your employee(s) are suffering from depression, it is important to seek help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you in managing depression by providing effective online depression counseling.

Finding Meaning In Your work

workplace depression

Several factors can contribute to workplace depression. One of the most common is a lack of meaning in your work. If you feel like your job is just a series of pointless tasks that don’t contribute to anything, it’s easy to start feeling down about it. And when you’re feeling down, it’s easy to start feeling depressed.

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent workplace depression. One of the most important is to find meaning in your work. If you can find a way to make your job meaningful, it will be much easier to stay positive and motivated. Here are a few tips for finding meaning in your work:

Find Ways To Contribute Your Bit

Find a way to make your job contribute to something bigger than yourself. Maybe you’re working on a project that will help save the environment or improve the lives of people in developing countries. Or maybe you’re working on a team that is developing a new product or service that will change the world. Whatever it is, try to find a way to see your job as contributing to something larger than yourself.

Find Ways To Be Creative

If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, try to find ways to be more creative in your work. Maybe there are ways to do your job that are more efficient or effective. Or maybe you can come up with new ideas for products or services that your company offers. Whatever it is, being more creative can help you feel more engaged and motivated in your work.

Find Ways To Help Others

Maybe you can volunteer for a project that is important to you or start a fundraiser for a cause that you care about. Or maybe you can use your skills and knowledge to help someone who is struggling with their work. Whatever it is, try to find ways to use your work to make a difference in the lives of others.

Make Your Work Fun

If you’re not enjoying your job, it’s going to be very difficult to stay motivated. So, try to find ways to make your work more enjoyable. Maybe you can listen to music while you work or take breaks to play video games or chat with friends. Whatever it is, find ways to make your work more enjoyable so that you can stay motivated.

Make Your Work Challenging

If your job is too easy, it’s easy to get bored and start feeling depressed. But if your job is too challenging, it can be overwhelming and lead to burnout. So, try to find a balance between the two. Find a job that is challenging enough to keep you engaged but not so challenging that it’s impossible to complete.

NOTE: These are just a few tips for finding meaning in your work. If you can find ways to make your job more meaningful, it will be much easier to stay positive and motivated.

Conclusion

Workplace depression is a serious problem that can hurt both employees and employers. However, several things can be done to prevent and manage workplace depression.

If you or someone you know is struggling with workplace depression, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Mantra Care EAP is here to support you. Visit our website to learn more about how we can help you.

A Word From MantraCare Wellness

Employee wellness programs are the key to improving employee motivation, productivity, and retention. At MantraCare Wellness, we have a team of health experts, counselors, and coaches who serve corporate employees with 10+ wellbeing programs including EAPEmployee Diabetes ReversalCorporate MSKPCOSEmployee FitnessCorporate YogaEmployee meditation, and Employee Smoking Cessation.