"We work to relieve and to prevent this treatable condition by providing information and support services."

A Single Step, issue Winter 2007-08

Employment and depression

"The cost of neglecting mental distress at work is simply too high to be ignored any longer"

Based on a recent report by the Sainsbury's centre it is estimated that one worker in six will be experiencing depression, anxiety or problems relating to stress at any one time. Mental ill health is a normal part of working life. The total cost to employers is estimated at nearly £26 billion each year. This is made up by an estimated £8.4 billion a year in sickness absence. £15.1 billion a year in reduced productivity at work. This is mainly due to people not wanting to take time off due to their depression or other mental health problems but not performing well whilst at work. Finally £2.4 billion a year in replacing staff who leave their jobs because of depression or other mental health issues.

The report points out simple steps to improve the management of mental distress at work which would enable employers to save 30 per cent of these costs and make life much better for people who experience the problem.

They promote taking action to promote well being amongst staff, to give better help to those experiencing distress, and to support people when they need time off to come back to work.

Its common sense to those who have had employment problems due to having experienced period of depression. It makes good business sense based on the evidence produced that looking after people better can prevent relapse and encourage well being. www.scmh.org.uk Mental Health at Work; Developing the business case.

In order to raise awareness of the issue we want, with your agreement, to make the theme for Depression Awareness Week this year to be Employment. We want to highlight what issues people, amongst our membership, have experienced, both good and bad, and we want to hear from people who have either lost their confidence in getting back into the job market, or who have lost their job, or past experiences from people who are retired. We want to support employers in improving people's experiences at work, and we want to make sure that people don't face further discrimination and time off work unnecessarily.

We would be extremely grateful if you would fill in the enclosed questionnaire, the results of which we will use to launch a publicity campaign during DAW.

Getting the right job:

Stigma is still widespread, so this is the dilemma that many people have to consider.

Ideally the more honest you can be, the more an employer should be able to offer appropriate support should you need it, but many people don't actually need special support.

Applying for a job: you may find it useful to consider the following:

Do you understand fully what the job entails?
Do you have a sense of the culture of the organisation / the particular department that you are applying for/ do the people working there seem supportive?
Do you think your experience of depression or anxiety has any implications for doing the job?
Would it be helpful to advise the manager of any support you may need? For example would they consider allowing you work flexible hours or reducing your hours if you see the first signs of depression recurring?
If you do disclose would that put more or less pressure on you? Do you fear that managers would have expectations / preconceptions about stress levels or sickness absence?
Are you on any medication that causes side effects which could impact on your ability to do the job and which may be noticeable to colleagues?

Do remember, that if you do experience depression and choose not to tell your manager they cannot be expected to take any action to support you or take action to relieve the problem. Non-disclosure could weaken any legal challenge at a later stage.

Thinking about the positives aspects, having experienced depression is a learning process that enhances self knowledge. What people bring to a job is empathy, support for others, perseverance insight and a better ability to manage staff that is experiencing distress. Explaining this to a colleague or boss is often a much better way to introduce and discuss your experience.

How can I prepare for awkward questions at interviews?

Think in advance what you are prepared to talk about, and what's off limits.
What aspects of your depression, medication or care are relevant to the job?
What will you say if the questions go beyond the boundaries? You should prepare a polite but firm response.
What support or adjustments might help you do the job?
Do you wish to discuss any coping strategies with your employer?

If you have taken time off work it is important to keep in touch with your employer. This is partly to help resolve issues that may cause you extra worry, make the journey back to work easier and help to reduce the isolation and feeling of being cut off that can damage self confidence.

Some of the issues you might want to consider if you are currently off work:

Worries about losing your job or about financial issues. It is best to raise these fears directly and to clarify the true position.
Whether there is an option to make a staged return to work or to work from home for a period of time.
When it is right for you, could you attend work for just a cup of coffee so that you are in touch with what is happening at work and socially.
Is there a colleague who can help with the return to work?
Do you want visits/cards and calls?
What questions are off limits and how will you handle them?
Can your manager refer you to sources of treatment?
Are there any company schemes that you can use, such as counselling or access to occupational health schemes that specialise in workplace stress.

So, do remember: that depression is a common illness that affects everyone in the work place either directly or through colleagues. Depression is as much an illness as diabetes or heart disease. It is NOT a sign of weakness. Depression CAN be treated successfully - the sooner it is recognised the quicker the recovery.

Please do work with us to pass on your experiences by filling in the enclosed questionnaire. We will publish the results during Depression Awareness Week on 14th April 2008 and will provide much more useful information about depression and employment during that week.

Moving People
Motherhood and Depression
Undoing Depression
Choice in Depression: Making Progress
Reforming Psychological Therapies in the UK
DA Talk