Your Job

If you are suffering from depression, your relationships with your colleagues at work may be affected. The impact of depression on businesses is quite considerable. It is estimated that depression accounts for three to four days off work per month for each person with depression. This translates to over six million working days lost each year in Australia.

Untreated depression can result in a significant reduction in work performance. It may be so bad that the individual will have to stop work completely for a time. Most people do however try to soldier on, even though they are aware that they are not doing their job as well as they usually do. Although some people may need to take sick leave temporarily while they undergo appropriate treatment, many people benefit from staying at work, sometimes at a reduced work load or reduced hours.

Depression and related illnesses, including anxiety, are often not managed well in the workplace, mostly due to lack of knowledge and awareness about these conditions. Your colleagues may react strongly to your symptoms, and some may not understand or accept your condition while you are depressed.

Recent research shows that most people know very little about psychological conditions, the common signs and symptoms and how to recognise that a work colleague may be experiencing depression or related disorders.

Some of the things colleagues and employers may notice may be that someone is:
 
• Working slowly
• Making mistakes
• Unable to concentrate
• Forgetful
• Late for work or meetings
• Getting into disputes and arguments with colleagues
• Unable to delegate tasks
• Working, or trying to work, much too hard
• Taking many sick days
 

Fortunately, most employers are understanding when their employees become ill. Check the policy on sick leave and extended time off in your workplace.