About depression and its impact at work:

• 1 in 5 people will suffer from depression at some stage in their lives
• People suffering from depression may take 3-4 days off work per month
• It can impact people's work performance, and there's a greater chance of industrial accidents (safety issue)
• Associated problems - anxiety and substance abuse

What is depression?

• 1. Feeling unhappy and miserable and crying regularly
• 2. Complaining to others about feeling sad or empty
• 3. Lost a sense of interest and enjoyment in your life

PLUS if you have any of the following 4 of the following 6

• Appetite or weight changes
• Restlessness or agitated
• Tired all the time and lack of energy
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating and decision making
• Feeling worthless and guilty
• Feeling like life isn't worth living

Types of depression:

• There are various types

What causes depression?

• Complex picture - women generally suffer more
• Suggestions of genetic links
• More common in teenagers, elderly people and menopausal women
• Certain medical conditions
• Personality types; eg people who worry, sensitive to criticism, self critical
• Stressful incident
• Sometimes no obvious reasons at all

What can you do?

• Depends on whether mild, medium or severe
• Seek professional help - get specific advice
• Activities and exercise can be helpful
• Reducing drug and alcohol intake
• Getting enough sleep
• Minimise stress
• Read books

What if someone else is depressed?

• Talk to them
• Not always helpful for a manager to give someone with depression time off work
• Point out that you have noticed they seem to be unhappy, quiet or withdrawn
• Assist people in finding information
• Be prepared to negotiate a lighter workload
• Don't ever give up on someone with depression