Depression in the workplace

New research shows returning to work can aid people with depression

Published: June 4, 2008

Medical News Today reports on findings published in the journal Occupational Medicine that resuming work can actually aid recovery and help depressed employees.

However, the Society of Occupational Medicine warned that employers need to be sensitive and consider a range of interventions including changing an employees tasks and reducing hours to help people when they return to work. Line managers also play a key role as an early return to work is aided by line managers keeping in touch at least once every two weeks.

The study followed more than 500 people who were unable to work with depression from a variety of industries over the course of a year. A return to employment significantly promoted recovery. Importantly, it was the approach and flexibility of their employers that proved vital.

The study echoes the findings of Dame Carol Black’s Review ‘Working for a healthier tomorrow’ which recognized that for most people work is good both for their long-term health and for their family’s well-being. The review found that ill health was costing the country Â£100 billion a year – Â£40 billion of which was related to mental health.Â

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Source: Medical News Today

Depression stigma in the eye of the older beholder

Published: April 18, 2008

Less educated, older men are more likely to view depression negatively, while almost one in five Australians say they wouldn’t work with someone suffering depression, according to researchers from The Australian National University.

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Special report on depression in the workplace

Published: April 8, 2008

Depression affects more than six percent of the working population. When people with bipolar disorder and other forms of depression are included, the true rate is even higher. But only half of workers suffering from depression receive any form of treatment, and less than half of these receive care consistent with current treatment guidelines according to new studies released by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) in its April Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. This special issue of JOEM, the official publication of ACOEM, presents an update on workplace depression, highlighting the need for an integrated, evidence-based approach to managing this common, chronic, and often recurrent disorder. [continue reading…]

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