From Blue to YouFrom Blue to YouMen and Depression Men and Depression

in the Workplacein the Workplace

What is depression?

• A mental disorder or illness A mental disorder or illness

• Involves the body, mood, and thoughtsInvolves the body, mood, and thoughts

Is depression common?

• 6 million men in the United States6 million men in the United States

• Estimates suggest this number is on the Estimates suggest this number is on the riserise

Depression and the workplace• 1 in 5 employees will have depression 1 in 5 employees will have depression

during their lifetimeduring their lifetime

• Employers spend $30 to $44 billion on Employers spend $30 to $44 billion on untreated depressionuntreated depression

• 97 percent of men with depression say it 97 percent of men with depression say it interferes with workinterferes with work

Depression and the workplace

• Job stress plays important role

• Job characteristics contribute to depression

What are the symptoms?

• Physical symptomsPhysical symptoms

• Psychosocial symptomsPsychosocial symptoms

• Symptoms in the workplaceSymptoms in the workplace

Stigma, depression, and work

• As you watch the video, listen for thoughts on stigma and depression

• Pay attention to discussion of work life

What do you hear about stigma?

• Get helpGet help

• Keep working as much as you canKeep working as much as you can

• Employee Assistance ProgramEmployee Assistance Program

• Delay important decisionsDelay important decisions

If you think you have depression on the job…

If you think you have depression on the job…

• Prioritize tasksPrioritize tasks

• Set realistic goalsSet realistic goals

• Spend time with supportive coworkersSpend time with supportive coworkers

• Review your work scheduleReview your work schedule

If a male coworker or employee has depression…

• Encourage the person to get helpEncourage the person to get help

• Do not accuse the person of faking illness or Do not accuse the person of faking illness or lazinesslaziness

• Include your colleague Include your colleague in activities in activities

• Communicate respectfullyCommunicate respectfully

• Educate yourself about depressionEducate yourself about depression

• Be willing to talk and offer supportBe willing to talk and offer support

If a male coworker or employee has depression…

References• Healthyplace.com (2008). Depression in the workplace.

www.healthyplace.com/Communities/Depression/related/work.asp • Mayo Clinic Staff (2008). Male depression: Don't ignore the symptoms.

Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/male-depression/MC00041• Mayo Clinic Staff (2008). Depression. Retrieved from

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175• Mental Health America (2008). Depression in the workplace.

http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/information/get-info/depression/depression-in-the-workplace

• NIMH (2008). Men and Depression. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/men-and-depression/depression.shtml

• Nutrition Health Center (2008). Depression Statistics Information. Retrieved from http://www.add-adhd-help-center.com/Depression/statistics.htm

• Robertson, J. & Primo, S. (2008). Depression at work: Reducing stigma and improving outcomes. West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University. www.purdue.edu/hr/pdf/DEPRESSION%20IN%20THE%20WORKPLACE.pdf

Copyright © 2010 for materials developed by University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. This publication may be reproduced in portions or its entirety for educational or nonprofit purposes only. Permitted users shall give credit to the author(s) and include this copyright notice. Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.

Leigh Ann Simmons; MFT, PhDformer Assistant ProfessorDepartment of Family Studies

Ester Edwards, BSGraduate studentDepartment of Family Studies

Leslie Crofford, MDProfessor, College of Medicine

April 2010

Health Education through Extension Leadership The development of the HEEL program was made possible by Senator Mitch McConnell with funds earmarked for the University of Kentucky, College o f Agriculture, Lexington Ky. and budgeted through the CSREES/USDA Federal Administration.

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