Depression in the workplace

Depression in the workplace Carol Duff Freelance Trainer 14th November 2013

Aims Myths around depression and mental health conditions What is depression Depression in the workplace How to help someone Training available

Fact Or Fiction? Depression is rare and unusual and none of my staff have a mental health condition Depression is common 1 in 5 people will experience depression at some point in their lives

Fact Or Fiction? People with severe mental health conditions are not able to work The vast majority of people who have experienced a mental health condition continue or return to work successfully

Fact Or Fiction? Working makes mental health problems worse Being out of work can be more detrimental to mental health There is evidence that work is generally good for health and wellbeing However poor conditions in the workplace can impact on poor mental health therefore it is essential to foster a healthy work environment

Fact Or Fiction? Someone who has previously had a mental health condition will have a bad sickness record in the future Although people can and do sometimes need time off work with their mental health condition – most can and do recover and only some experience problems over a longer period of time Over 70% of people have a single episode and then fully recover

Stigma and disclosure Many people don’t disclose a mental health condition for fear of discrimination Many people don’t understand mental health conditions and avoid talking about them This can exacerbate the issue

Finding the balance Employers need to be able to recognise signs of ill health and provide appropriate support Employers want to maximise productivity and also support employees They need to understand how to encourage good mental health

Depression Everyone feels sad, fed up or miserable sometimes But for some people, depression goes on for longer, and becomes so severe that they find it hard to carry on with their normal lives

Continuum of Mental well being Positive mental wellbeing Mental illness

Clinical depression A clinical depression is one that lasts for at least 2 weeks and affects the person physically, emotionally, cognitively and behaviourally It interferes with the person’s ability to carry out his or her work or to have satisfying personal relationships.

Emotional Changes Sadness Increased anxiety or stress Feelings of guilt Anger Mood swings Lack of emotional responsiveness Helplessness Hopelessness

Changes in thinking Frequent self-criticism Self-blame Worrying Pessimism Poor memory and concentration Difficulty making decisions Confusion Tendency to believe that others see you negatively In severe cases thoughts of death and suicide

Physical changes Chronic fatigue Lack of energy Sleeping too much or too little Overeating or loss of appetite Constipation Weight loss or gain Irregular menstrual cycle Loss of libido Unexplained aches and pains

Changes in Behaviour Crying spells Withdrawal from others Neglect of responsibilities Loss of interest in personal appearance Loss of motivation Making more mistakes

How depression might present in workplace? Decreased productivity Morale problems Lack of co-operation Safety problems Absenteeism Frequent complaints of being tired all the time Complaints of unexplained aches and pains Alcohol and/or other drug misuse

What can you do to help or advise Help the person to feel hope and optimism Understand that depression is common Depression is a real medical condition Effective help is available

What doesn’t help Being told to snap out of it Being told to cheer up Being made to feel a failure Depression being seen as a weakness

Where can you get help for depression? Self help GP Counselling Cognitive behaviour therapy Local groups i.e Cruise Medication

What can help in the workplace? Raising awareness of mental health conditions Promoting well-being Identifying the early warning signs and talking at an early stage Keeping in touch during sickness absence Occupational health Considering reasonable adjustments Ongoing support and review

Benefits of Intervention • The total cost to employers is estimated at nearly £26 billion each year • That is equivalent to £1,035 for every employee in the UK workforce • Simple steps to improve the management of mental health in the workplace should enable employers to save 30% or more of these costs - at least £8 billion a year

Training available • Mental Health First Aid ( 2 day course) • Mental Health First Aid Lite ( 3 hour session) • Line Managers Mental health awareness ( 6 hours) • Employee Mental Health Awareness ( 3 hours) • Managing stress in the workplace

Summary None of us are immune to mental health conditions Both the employer and the employee are responsible for looking after their own mental wellbeing Small changes and proactive support can encourage good mental health and in turn maximise productivity There is help and support available

Useful information • www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/employment • www.moodgym.anu.edu.au • www.depressionalliance.org.uk • www.mentalhealth.org.uk • www.mind.org.uk • www.mindfulemployer.net • www.hse.uk • www.mhfaengland.org/news/mhfa-england-updates-shift-line-managers-resource • www.getselfhelp.co.uk • www.ntw.nhs.uk/pic/selfhelp

Thank you & questions Contact Details carol.duff@rdash.nhs.uk

Depression in the workplace