Depression in the workplace
It’s time to connect

Kiran Suain Nottingham 01.05.19

Current Affairs Society, University of Nottingham

Depression has become one of the UKs most prevalent mental health disorders. Depression can occur at any age within a person’s lifetime. Depression impacts around 1 in 4 women, and 1 in 10 men. The NHS has recorded a 108.5% increase in the number of antidepressants prescribed to patients in the UK compared to 2006. 

The symptoms of depression vary from person to person; from mild, to moderate, through to severe. A person with depression may experience lowered moods, a lack of energy, and struggle to sleep, amongst other feelings of being down. Often, a person with depression may also struggle to socialise, focus and function well at work, and not feel enjoyment in things they usually enjoy. When these feelings persist for a long duration of time, it is important that a person does seek help, in order to get better. The following video from the Royal College of Psychiatrists is very useful, and explains some of the symptoms and treatment (link).

In the workplace, some practical tips for looking after your own mental health and wellbeing include:

1. Make sure you take your lunch break: switch off from the work of the day and take a rest
2. Listen to music as you work: simple slow quiet music can help to reduce distractions
3. Leave your work, in the workplace: avoid bringing your work into your personal life
4. Switch off on the commute home: use this time for yourself to read, or listen to music
5. Ask for help if you need it: this ensures that you don’t overload yourself with work and stress

Looking out for others: Simple practical ideas for looking after one another in the workplace:

1. Ask ‘How are you?’ Talking about wellbeing is easy: open communication is key.
2. Take notice others: have awareness of the people around you and be approachable.
3. Manage stress: share the workload as a team or offer help if you notice a colleague is struggling.

For more information, visit https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/

If you notice a colleague, employee or employer with a low mood for a long duration of time, ask them how they are, and encourage them to seek help from their GP. Often, if a person is experiencing symptoms of depression for the first time, they may not realise that they should seek help. Reach out to people, be social, it is okay to take that first step. It is important that as a culture we reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, through simple means of communication. In the workplace, this will lead to better outcomes for both employee, and employer to maintain wellbeing and good mental health. It is time to connect with people, regardless of background, job title or age, we need to come together as a society to help and look after one another.

​To find out more about depression, or to seek help if you are experiencing some of these symptoms, visit the ‘mind’ website:
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/depression/about-depression/#.W98lopP7RPY



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