Keeping depression and mental health in mind during October

Depression is a very common yet serious illness. Read on to learn how to help yourself and your co-workers.

October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month. Depression, although still widely stigmatized, is in our families, our schools, our communities, and our workplace. It is very likely that someone you work with is affected, since one in every 10 people may experience depression. The best way to help this issue is by first engaging in conversations about it. Conversation leads to understanding and understanding leads to change. To change the way people view this topic, we must discuss and listen. It’s also important to educate ourselves about what depression looks like, so we’re best able to help those around us.

Someone with depression may experience the following symptoms:

trouble sleeping, either sleeping too little or too much
poor appetite or over-eating
feeling sad, anxious, or hopeless
trouble concentrating
lack of motivation
loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, or
thoughts of or talking about suicide.

In the workplace symptoms of depression may be viewed differently. For instance, a person could be having trouble concentrating as a result of depression. Their co-workers may perceive that the person is scattered or disinterested. Someone who is feeling sad may appear to be withdrawing from a team. Keep in mind that people who have recently experienced a personal crisis, traumatic event, or loss may show these symptoms more often.

Right Direction is an initiative that the Employee Assistance Program has been sharing with City departments this year. It provides helpful information as we prepare to talk about mental health in the workplace. We want everyone to know — it’s OK to not be OK. There are professionals and resources that can help. For more information, visit the Right Direction website to find depression screenings, suicide prevention support, and other helpful links.