Apr 05 2009
A possible starting point for addressing depression in the work place
Hi Everyone,
In last week’s blog, I spoke about the huge growing problem related to depression and anxiety in the workplace.
On Tuesday of this week I was interviewed by :ABC Radio National on this topic. To listen to the interview go to: http://www.abc.net.au/rn/lifematters/stories/2009/2528009.htm
On Wednesday, I was asked by www.Directioneering.com to address about 100 senior Human Resource Practitioners, regarding my recommended solution to this crisis.
The crisis is already here
How do I know this crisis is looming? Without any prompting, after my talk 3 HR professional volunteered that they had been forced to answer suicide crises in the last 3 months. One had 3 suicide attempts to respond to, one 1 suicide attempt, and in a true tragedy, one lady described how a woman had taken her own life in front of some workmates.
I don’t believe the answer is depression awareness and treatment seminars per se
I believe that “depression awareness” sessions focus too much on the problem and not the solution. Because of the stigma associated with depression, there could be a perception that only those vulnerable to depression need attend. The other issue is that only 9% of people with depression feel comfortable talking to their work mates about it. Because of these two factors, I believe that the solution lies in teaching people the skills required to bounce back.
Moodometer
When I was suffering from depression, my doctor always used to ask me to rate my mood between 0 and 10 where 0 was actively suicidal and 10 was thriving socially, mentally, physically, spiritually etc.
No matter how mentally healthy we are, we all slip down the moodometer whether it is through going through divorce, becoming bankrupt, losing a loved one, being retrenched or fighting with a work colleague. How far we slip after adversity, can vary on a number of factors.
The strategies for bouncing back are similar whether you are depressed or striving for self actualisation
Strategies such as exercise, support of family and friends, meditation/relaxation, good nutrition are relevant whether you are a 2 or a 9 on the moodometer.
Everyone should learn these strategies. Of course strategies such as psychological counselling and medication usually only apply when you are struggling to cope on the lower end of the scale.
In the organisational context, I believe that all employees should learn the skills required to bounce back. There should then be training for all on what are some of the special needs for people in the 0-4 range on the moodometer. These strategies should include what you should do if you are the person with depression, and also include what you should do to help a work colleague who is not coping.
Likewise, a similar session should be conducted if you are at the upper level of the moodometer.
I would like to introduce in my next post the four stages of bouncing back and thriving: mindset, action, reflection, and constancy.
If you have any comment regarding this blog please respond using the facility below.
Kind Regards
Graeme
