Health Brief

Depression in the workplace

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There are times when we have all felt tired or discouraged. But when these feelings persist, last for two weeks or more and start to interfere with our daily activities, they could be a sign of actual depression.

The high cost of depression

Depression is the most common psychological disease, and it affects men and women equally. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that, by 2020, depression will have become the second leading cause of disability. 1

Depression is more than just a mental problem: it also has a substantial financial impact. A study published by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health shows that the corporate cost of a single employee on short-term disability leave for mental health issues is nearly $18,000.

At any one time, 1 employee out of 20 will experience depression. However, if undetected, depression leads to decreased productivity and increased sick days. 2

Recognizing the signs of depression

The signs of depression tend to vary from one person to another, but there are a few common symptoms which are listed below to help you recognize if anyone in your organization is at risk:

  • Depressed or sad mood
  • Lack of energy and feelings of exhaustion
  • Irritability or despair
  • Low productivity and lack of motivation
  • Increased number of mistakes
  • Frequent late arrivals
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Increased number of “sick leave” days

Be on the look-out for normally high-performing employees whose productivity begins to decrease significantly, as they could be suffering from burn-out or depression.

What to do

Depression is a treatable disorder and it is important to help a person suffering from depression as soon as possible. Do not attempt to diagnose him/her yourself; depression needs appropriate treatment combined with help from a qualified healthcare professional.

The Canadian Association for Mental Health estimates that, with adequate treatment, four out of five sufferers recover completely. However, if undetected, depression can last months or even years. Most of the time, the person suffering from depression is ashamed to seek help and withdraws from social activities. Provide a listening ear and support. Remember that the person needs to take the first steps him or herself, so encourage him/her to seek medical help.

Plexo supports you

Plexo helps organizations manage absenteeism by ensuring that employees receive attentive support for a complete and long-term recovery. Our timely response and the high quality of our services have a positive impact, both on employees’ quality of life and on absenteeism costs for organizations.

Our experienced and qualified healthcare professionals offer employees suffering from depression personalized help, including education, information and on-going support. This approach enables organizations to manage absenteeism effectively, prevent a relapse and ensure a sustainable and productive recovery.

Please contact Plexo for more information on our Disability Management Program.

1 World Health Organization. Mental Health – Depression, www.who.int
2 Canadian Mental Health Association, www.acsm.ca

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