Depression

Clinical or Major Depression is the diagnosis given for severe depression. It is a unipolar (one directional) mood related condition involving a prolonged state of intense sadness or despair that can affect functioning in all aspects of life, including in the workplace. 

Symptoms and characteristics

Typical symptoms for Clinical or Major Depression include:

• an unusually sad mood that does not go away
• difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• a loss of enjoyment and interest in activities that used to be enjoyable
• a lack of energy and tiredness
• loss of confidence or poor self-esteem
• feeling guilty when not really at fault
• moving more slowly or, sometimes becoming agitated and unable to settle
• having sleeping difficulties or, sometimes sleeping too much
• suicidal thoughts in severe cases.

Workplace solutions and adjustments

In relation to employment, Clinical or Major Depression may be characterized by the following performance factors:

• decreased productivity
• morale problems
• difficulty making decisions or problem solving
• safety problems or accidents
• absenteeism
• frequent complaints of being tired all the time
• complaints of unexplained aches and pains
• alcohol and/or other drug misuse.

In the workplace there are various factors that would greatly assist those with Clinical or Major Depression to better manage their symptoms. These include:

• flexible work arrangements, including leave
• reducing responsibilities or workload and subsequent stress levels
• restructuring the work environment, for example using privacy screens or using organisers to reduce clutter 
• a good support network.

A psychologist can provide advice and discuss ways for managing depression in the workplace.

There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:

• Dealing with stress and psychological demands
• Energy and drive
• Managing attendance
• Managing emotions at work
• Organisation and planning
• Problem solving and decision making

References

Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Mental Health Council Inc. and Betty Ann Kitchener and Anthony Francis Jorm at ORYGEN Research Centre, University of Melbourne 2006, Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace – an e-learning course, Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Canberra.

beyondblue 2009, What is depression?, beyondblue, Sydney, viewed 10 August 2011, http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=89.