Has a colleague been less productive lately? Does he or she complain of being tired all the time and having physical aches and pains? Is he or she cooperating less with other workers and often absent from work?

Everyone gets the blues from time to time. However, if a person experiences these symptoms for two weeks or longer, the person may be suffering from clinical depression, a condition that can sap the energy and motivation of the most productive employee. While it’s not your job to diagnose depression, as a caring and conscientious employee your understanding may help your depressed colleague get the help he or she needs.

One in four women and one in ten men can expect to develop depression at some point in their lives, but because of the stigma attached to emotional illnesses, your colleague may be reluctant to discuss his or her feelings.

Ways to approach the subject of depression

    • Let your colleague know that you’re available if he or she wants to talk and reassure him or her that what is told to you will be kept confidential. You could have a quiet conversation over lunch or coffee or go for a walk together.
    • Listen without judgment. Let your colleague talk without trying to push the conversation and allow gaps in the discussion if necessary. Let him or her set the pace. Offer emotional support, understanding, patience and encouragement.
    • Don’t say patronizing things such as “You’ll feel better tomorrow”, “Pull yourself together!” or “You’d never kill yourself”. Rather say “What can I do to help?”
    • Explain that depression is a medical condition, not a personal flaw or weakness, and that it usually gets better with treatment.
    • Keep your questions open-ended. Say “Why don’t you tell me how you’re feeling?” rather than “I can see you are feeling very low”. Give the person time to answer and try not to grill him or her with too many questions.
    • Don’t make assumptions about what is wrong. While you may be happy to listen and offer support, you probably aren’t a medical expert or a trained counsellor.
    • Ask if he or she is in touch with any self-help groups, has supportive friends, or if he or she would like you to mention the situation to anyone else.
    • Inform your depressed colleague that there is help such as psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, improved nutrition, more sleep and increased exercise and suggest that he or she consult a doctor.
    • Urge your colleague to seek help and offer to accompany him or her if necessary.

 

Sources
www.mentalhealth.org.uk
www.psychologytoday.com
www.work.chron.com/deal-depressed-coworker