Mental Health & Work – Understanding and Overcoming Depression
Mental Health – starting the conversation..
“I’ve suffered with depression. And it was debilitating. It affected my ability to work competently when I was in employment and then made it almost impossible for me to find a job when I wasn’t”
The team at Greydient Towers is a talkative and inquisitive bunch and this week the main topic of conversation was the growing appreciation of depression following Prince Harry’s podcast interview with Bryony Gordon re: his mental health struggles following the death of his mum Diana, and then the resulting publicity for the charity “Heads Together” which he’s spearheading with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
This is great progress.
Mental health issues have generally been stigmatized, misunderstood and feared since the asylum days of yesteryear so it’s fantastic that there is now acknowledgment that they exist and that people we perceive in society as role models have suffered from them too.
More information here..
https://www.headstogether.org.uk/about-heads-together/
Personal struggles with depression..
And hand’s up, I’ve been depressed before. I’ve suffered with depression. And it was debilitating. It affected my ability to work competently when I was in employment and then made it almost impossible for me to find a job when I wasn’t.
But then life’s a little hard sometimes isn’t it? Especially when you don’t have the knowledge or information to understand what the hell is going on and/or you don’t have the coping strategies to enable an action plan and a chance to get better.
Hence this post will look at Depression. What is is, how you can control it and both;
- the steps you should take when you re-enter the workplace following a bout of “Black Dog” and
- we’ll also look at the steps to take to overcome depression during a spell of unemployment..
But.. I’m not an expert.
So I wanted to provide some tangible and real links to the right level of expertise and a brief intro to the content available on their sites. But remember too.. Don’t fight depression alone.. Talk to your nearest and dearest if you are suffering and book an appointment with a GP if life becomes really tough.
What is Depression?
Depression is a low mood that lasts for a long time, and affects your everyday life.
In its mildest form, depression can mean just being in low spirits. It doesn’t stop you leading your normal life but makes everything harder to do and seem less worthwhile. At its most severe, depression can be life-threatening because it can make you feel suicidal or simply give up the will to live.
Where can you find help?
There are a number of organisations that have been created to tackle raise awareness of mental health problems and provide the help, support and guidance needed for those who are suffering.
My 3 honourable mentions go to;
- Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. (link to website here)
- time to change; founded in 2007, are a growing movement of people changing how we all think and act about mental health problems. (link to website here)
- Sanctus are on a mission to change of perception of mental health in the workplace and want to put the first mental health gym onto the high street. (link to website here)
Returning to work after depression
If you’ve had time away from work, or have been long-term unemployed because of mental or emotional health problems, you’re not alone. Almost 50% of long-term absences from work are the result of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Go to this link from NHS Chocies to to learn more. Learn more..
5 Methods to Avoid Depression Caused by Long-Term Unemployment
Long-term unemployment is one of the scariest prospects in anyone’s life, and is one of the most destructive elements to one’s career. Unfortunately, the effects of unemployment can go hand in hand with depression. Breaking free from your darkest hours requires strategic planning and self-encouragement. Yes, it’s important to continue searching for a job. But it’s just as important to build your self-worth. If you’re unemployed and depressed, check out these 5 methods to break the cycle. Link here..
And finally, if you need someone independent talk to; outside of your immediate network give the Samaritans a call, they are there to help..
Contact the Samaritans today..
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