From Blue to You Men and Depression in the Workplace

What is depression? A mental disorder or illnessA 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 riseEstimates suggest this number is on the rise

Depression and the workplace 1 in 5 employees will have depression during their lifetime1 in 5 employees will have depression during their lifetime Employers spend $30 to $44 billion on untreated depressionEmployers spend $30 to $44 billion on untreated depression 97 percent of men with depression say it interferes with work97 percent of men with depression say it interferes with work

Depression and the workplace Job stress plays important role Job characteristics contribute to depression

What are the symptoms? Physical symptomsPhysical symptoms Psychosocial symptoms Psychosocial 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…

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 lazinessDo not accuse the person of faking illness or laziness Include your colleague in activitiesInclude your colleague 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. Mayo Clinic Staff (2008). Male depression: Don't ignore the symptoms. Retrieved from depression/MC00041http:// depression/MC00041 Mayo Clinic Staff (2008). Depression. Retrieved from Mental Health America (2008). Depression in the workplace. info/depression/depression-in-the-workplace info/depression/depression-in-the-workplace NIMH (2008). Men and Depression. Retrieved from depression/depression.shtml depression/depression.shtml Nutrition Health Center (2008). Depression Statistics Information. Retrieved from center.com/Depression/statistics.htmhttp:// center.com/Depression/statistics.htm Robertson, J. & Primo, S. (2008). Depression at work: Reducing stigma and improving outcomes. West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University. df df

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, PhD former Assistant Professor Department of Family Studies Ester Edwards, BS Graduate student Department of Family Studies Leslie Crofford, MD Professor, 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. For More Information…