November / December 2002

Depression in the Workplace:  A Costly Disorder for Employees and Employers Alike

Dr. M. Donald Whorton, MD, MPH
FACOEM, FACE
Vice President, WorkCare

Those in the EHS industry may be well aware that repeated trauma disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, noise induced hearing loss and tendinitis, represent more than half of all new occupationally related injuries/illnesses cases.  These types of disorders have been on the "radar screen" for some time because of the adverse impact they have on employees and employers alike.  Although depression is not as easily recognizable as these illnesses, and is often a misunderstood disorder, depression in the workplace can be just as costly to employees and employers.

More than 19 million American adults (9.5% of the population) suffer from this disorder.

According to the National Mental Health Association, depression ranks among the top three workplace problems, following only family crisis and life stressors.

Clinical depression alone costs the U.S. $43.7 billion annually, including workplace costs for absenteeism and lost productivity ($23.8 billion), direct costs for treatment and rehabilitation ($12.4 billion) and loss of expected lifetime earnings due to depression-induced suicides ($7.5 billion) (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1993).

Aside from the financial costs, depression carries a heavy, personal burden for those lives it affects.  Depression interferes with a person's ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and take part in enjoyable activities.  Symptoms may include: persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings; hopelessness, pessimism; decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"; restlessness, and irritability.  As a result, employees who are clinically depressed may experience difficulties at work.  Depression can affect workers' productivity, judgment and job performance.  The illness can lead to increased absenteeism, morale problems, low performance levels and greater risks of accidents.

Given the effect that depression can have in the workplace, it is important for managers to be aware of the signs/symptoms of the illness, and have an understanding of the external resources available to diagnosis and treat depression.  Managers are not in the position to diagnosis depression, but they can be helpful in recognizing changes in employee behavior and productivity and provide appropriate referrals, if necessary.

For example, if an employee has exhibited signs of depression in the workplace that have adversely affected job performance, it's appropriate for a manager to meet with the employee and discuss the employee's job-related behavior.  Prior to this, it's advisable for the manager to seek guidance from human resources or the company's employee assistance provider (EAP) on how to best approach the employee.

If an employee voluntarily brings up personal health issues with a manager, it's appropriate to recommend resources to the employee, such as a company's EAP or other external mental health professional services. These resources can provide treatment options, including medication, short-term talk therapy, or a combination of both.  The National Institute of Mental Health states that in more than 80% of cases, treatment is effective--so pointing the employee in the right direction can make a difference.

Depression can also become more prevalent during the holidays.  Although the season is a time of cheer for many, the holidays can also bring the blues. According to the United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), some common causes of holiday blues are the loss of a family member or friend, increased life stressors and pressure, unresolved grief, family misunderstandings or conflict, financial burden, and fatigue.

To provide you with greater resources regarding depression in the workplace, we have compiled this list of useful web links that contains articles, tools and reports that can be of assistance in understanding this often misunderstood disorder.

Web Resources on Depression in the Workplace

National Mental Health Association

The National Mental Health Association provides a strategic local presence for many advocacy and education efforts.

UnumProvident

This White Paper, "Behavioral Health Disability: Depression in the Workplace," by Renee Mattaliano, MA, CRC, and David McDowell, Ph.D, discusses the challenges of dealing with depression at work, and provides solutions to improve employee health and productivity.

Workplace Blues - Resources for Managers

This article by Workplace Blues discusses the role of the supervisor in recognizing changes in an individual.

Workplace Blues - Effects of Depression in the Workplace

This article by WorkplaceBlues.com discusses the cost of untreated depression.

Ninemsn Bulletin-Curing Workplace Depression

This link by Ninemsn reports on workdays lost annually to depression. A new awareness campaign aims to help managers recognize warning signs and to encourage sufferers to seek help.

Pocket Guide to Mental Health Resources

The resources listed in this directory offer mental health information and links to mental health contacts.

National Institute of Mental Health

The National Institute of Mental Health provides information on the review of corporate medical programs and employee health benefits and addresses employee assistance programs, management awareness, and recognition of depressive disorders.

SAMSHA

A comprehensive web site by Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration that contains a rich resource of links regarding mental health illnesses.

HeartMath

This paper presented by Bruce A. Cryer, VP, Global Business Development, HeartMath LLC discusses six key areas in how to neutralize stress in the workplace and find greater personal balance for yourself.

Holiday Blues

An article by SAMSHA that discusses the causes of holiday blues and tips to help people through the holiday season.

Layman's Guide to Depression

This article discusses the symptoms of depression as they affect the workplace and, as an employer, how you deal with depression in your employees.

Depression in the Workplace

This link by Michael H. Smith, Ph.D., discusses the need to train your managers in how to recognize depression, how to appropriately raise the issue, and how to refer people with depression to programs where they can get therapy.

San Antonio Business Journal - Article

This link discusses loss of productivity resulting from depression in the workplace.

Stop Loneliness

This link provides information and resources for people affected by loneliness.

Symptoms of Clinical Depression

• Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
• Sleeping too much or too little, middle of the night or early morning waking
• Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
• Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex
• Restlessness, irritability
• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders)
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
• Thoughts of suicide or death

Symptoms of Depression Which May Be Seen in the Workplace

• Decreased productivity
• Morale problems
• Lack of cooperation
• Safety risks, accidents
• Absenteeism
• Frequent statements about being tired all the time
• Complaints of unexplained aches and pains
• Alcohol and drug abuse