The Partnership for Workplace Mental Health has teamed up with Employers Health Coalition to shine a spotlight on depression in the workplace. The primary message: When you’re depressed at work, it can feel like you’re lost in the woods alone. But there’s help, and you can find your way out.” They’ve produced Right Direction, an informative and useful site that is worth sharing with your employees. And the site offers several reasons why you may want to do that:

“Did you know mental illnesses like depression cause more days of work loss and work impairment than any other chronic health conditions, including arthritis, asthma, back pain, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease?

Individuals with depression are twice as likely to develop coronary artery disease, twice as likely to have a stroke – and more than four times as likely to die within six months of having a heart attack.”

The site theme plays on the word “bear” using the animal as a creative theme. It includes a variety of plain-speaking tools to address the issue – among them, an an interactive map of common symptoms and a self-assessment tool. We liked the chart comparing how depression might feel to one who suffers from it vs. how that may be perceived by others:
depression
The site also includes FAQs, resources for how and where to get help (Note: among the help suggestions is using your company Employee Assistance Program), and resources for employers, including a “Field Guide” with communication materials, powerpoints, and an implementation plan to help you get the message out.
Prior posts on the topic of depression

 


When complex employee issues arise, ESI EAP offers member employers direct access to Certified Senior Professionals in Human Resources (SPHR) and senior clinical counselors. If you need an Employee Assistance Program give us a call: 800-535-4841.

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