Self-help program
How does depression manifest at work?
Many work-related stress factors can contribute to depressive symptoms. These include unattainable goals, lack of opportunities for advancement, disappointments, and interpersonal difficulties in the workplace.
On the other hand, a supportive workplace, reasonable and achievable goals, and good support from your supervisor can promote health, help people stay at work, and help prevent the onset of depressive symptoms.
What factors can trigger symptoms?
Common work-related factors that can trigger depressive symptoms
- goals that feel unreasonably demanding
- disappointment in not reaching goals
- disappointment in career advancement
- negative feedback from a supervisor, colleagues, or clients
- lack of feedback
- interpersonal difficulties at work.
How can you recognize depressive symptoms at work?
At first
Early-stage symptoms of depression may include:
- a low or joyless mood
- reduced stress tolerance: even small setbacks or challenges may feel overwhelming
- feelings of hopelessness and discouragement
- indifference toward work
- feeling overwhelmed and irritability
- sleep disturbances: difficulty falling asleep, waking up early in the morning, difficulty falling back asleep
- constant fatigue and decreased energy levels
As the situation persists
As depression continues, symptoms may begin to show outwardly at work. These may include:
- withdrawing from others
- emotional breakdowns triggered by seemingly minor setbacks
- tearfulness
- irritability
- mistakes due to reduced concentration
- decline in work performance, quality, or quantity
- lack of initiative.
How should you act if depressive symptoms affect your work?
Talk to someone you trust
- If you feel that you have a trusting relationship with your supervisor, you can discuss your situation with them.
- Temporarily reducing your workload can help you recovery, especially if the depressive symptoms are related to challenges in your personal life.
- Coworkers can also support you.
It is also advisable to seek support from an occupational health care professional, such as an occupational health nurse or physician.
Don’t isolate yourself
A common symptom of depression is withdrawal from relationships. Try to stay connected with coworkers or other trusted people, even if you don’t feel like sharing how you’re doing.
Consider partial sick leave
If depression has led to sick leave, returning to work on partial sickness allowance may support your recovery. Work provides structure to your life and gives it meaning.
Getting help through an occupational health meeting
A request for an occupational health meeting can come from you, your supervisor, or occupational health care services. During the meeting, you will work together to find ways to help you cope and/or return to work.