Value of Work When Fighting Depression

The following post highlights an article released by a British organization that focuses on occupational health. It discusses how helpful it can be for individuals that are dealing with mental health issues to resume the normality of a regular work schedule as soon as possible, and how critical this is to helping them recover from depression or anxiety. Stress in the work place can be a significant trigger for such problems, but work is also a very beneficial activity that can bolster a person's emotional health.

I would hope that encouraging people to return to work could be coupled with other natural ways of fighting depression (such as nutritional intervention, stress management techniques like exercise and deep-breathing, and music therapy, just to name a few) other than traditional antidepressant drugs that can often worsen a depressed person's condition and lead to additional mental and physical health problems. It is refreshing to see alternatives discussed, but the truth of the matter is that in the vast majority of cases, the use of drugs that are handed out like candy to anyone who even hints at depression (or even as preventative measures to pregnant women just in case they have post-partum depression -- how crazy is that??) are only likely to make it more difficult for them to return to work or any other normal aspect of life.


New Research Shows Returning To Work Can Aid People With Depression
04 Jun 2008

The modern workplace is often blamed for increased rates of depression and stress. New research published in the journal Occupational Medicine, shows that resuming work can actually aid recovery and help depressed employees. However, the Society of Occupational Medicine warned that employers need to be sensitive and consider a range of interventions including changing an employees tasks and reducing hours to help people when they return to work. Line managers also play a key role as an early return to work is aided by line managers keeping in touch at least once every two weeks.

The study followed more than 500 people who were unable to work with depression from a variety of industries over the course of a year. A return to employment significantly promoted recovery. Importantly, it was the approach and flexibility of their employers that proved vital.

The study echoes the findings of Dame Carol Black's Review 'Working for a healthier tomorrow' which recognized that for most people work is good both for their long-term health and for their family's well-being. The review found that ill health was costing the country 100 billion pounds a year -- 40 billion of which was related to mental health.

"Better access to occupational health services and psychological support are essential if employees with depression and anxiety are to get back to work quickly" said Dr Gordon Parker, President of the Society of Occupational Medicine. "'Employers are often frightened of contacting an employee whose sick note says 'depression' for fear of being accused of harassment, but sympathetic contact with the employee and early help through occupational health can identify the most appropriate support. Occupational health services are ideally placed to advise managers and employees on the best return to work plan and should be involved early in the management of the employee's absence".

In any one year about 1 in every 4 employees in the UK will have a mental health problem, and depression is one of the most common. It is not just distressing for the person involved. It makes them less productive at work and is responsible for high rates of sick-leave, accidents and staff turnover. Work often plays one of the largest roles in shaping people's identity and if employees are absent for some time due to anxiety or depression, this can add to feelings of a lack of self-worth. This study shows that going back to work is often one of the most important factors in speeding up a return to full health. It provides an opportunity to regain a sense of self-esteem and puts routine and stability back into people's lives.

A good occupational health team can help senior management develop programmes to educate line managers and the workforce about depression so that the problem is recognised, appropriate early intervention given and employees are helped to return to work. Occupational Health staff will know about the particular stresses and strains of the work environment and have experience of sensitive issues such as workplace confidentiality, job security and the timing of the return to part-time or full-time working. They are also well placed to work closely with family doctors or other specialist health services.

BT's 'Positive Mentality' programme is an example of how a company can be proactive in this area. Their innovative approach supports not only those who have mental health problems but also those staff who are ostensibly well. By encouraging and promoting small changes in lifestyle, significant improvements have been made in how staff cope with stress and the pressures of work and feel about their mental well-being.

Richard Craig, a 54 year old BT employee from Lancashire, suffered from depression that resulted in 6 months off work. On returning to work his hours were reduced for the first two weeks and then increased each week until he was back on full hours. His manager at the time was in contact with him each week either by phone or one to one. He believes that going back to work and the attitude of his employer was crucial to his recovery.

"Whilst I was ill my manager kept coming to see me and was really supportive. When it was time to go back to work my Occupational Health doctor organised a phased return so that I started back part time. " said Mr Craig "Going back to work gave me a structure and took my mind off things"

Depression and anxiety are now the most common reasons for people starting to claim long term sickness benefits. By investing in occupational health services, senior management teams can play a key role in helping people like Richard Craig return to work. This will improve the overall performance of the organisation and of individual employees and reduce the costs of sickness absence.

1. The Society of Occupational Medicine is the largest UK organisation for all doctors with an interest in Occupational medicine.

2. Occupational Health Doctors: - Help prevent work-related ill health- Advise on fitness for work- Advise on appropriate adjustments in the workplace to help people stay in work- Provide rehabilitation to help people return to work, and - Identify and advise on what people CAN do, so that alternative suitable work for people with health problems can be found- Promote healthy lifestyles and health in the workplace - Advise employers on appropriate policies to maintain a safe workplace.