I suffered from depression at work for a long time. I wonder if my activity as an employee did not occur in a depressive state, which poses a tricky question if you are concerned like me. Recognize that, subject to the reservation, you may be suffering from depression at work. So I’m not going to play with words. Whether it’s depression at work or depression from work, or whether your depression at work is the result of another problem, it is all the same.
The problem with depression at work is that you often notice it when it’s late. Even too late. But is it too late? Or is it a good thing to realize this long afterward?
Depression at work: Lack of recognition
In our society, recognizing that our relationship to our work is psychologically painful is not easy. Most people don’t understand. And I’m not talking about certain employers, department heads, or – let’s be cruel – little department heads that go beyond that. These people have all the trouble in the world to understand how they work to understand others.
Identifying depression late in the day makes it more difficult to treat. In itself, it is never too late to do the right thing. However, the more identification elements you have, the better you are treated.
As a result, I will make every effort to provide you with as many resources as possible to determine whether. Here are the questions I will try to answer as best as possible:
- What is the definition of depression at work
- What are the causes of depression at work
- What are the symptoms of depression at work
- How to treat depression at work
Definition of depression at work
Depression at work designated by Anglicism burn-out is a state of professional exhaustion that combines deep fatigue, disinvestment from professional activity, a feeling of failure, and incompetence.
According to the EDA (European Depression Association), out of 7,000 employees in seven countries, 20% of employees have suffered from depression at work at some point in their career. In many countries, it is 12%, 26% of employees or self-employed claim to have suffered from depression at work during their career.
Work and business are likely to turn into places of moral suffering. One of the most important explanatory factors is the current economic conditions. To curb crises, several managers are tougher. Or even be guilty of harassment.
Depression at work: The principle of causality
Nowadays, versatility is one of the determining criteria to have good results and keep your job. Managers and workers, therefore, find themselves on several fronts at the same time. They are assigned multiple tasks. For each of them, optimal responsiveness is required.
Whether the employee is on CDD, CDI has the temporary worker’s status, or is a civil servant, the multiplication of tasks leads to an increase in the risk of illnesses. And, therefore, accidents at work. Sooner or later, someone under constant pressure breaks down. A too absorbing job leads to a total imbalance in the life of an individual.
The permanent changes that workers face are not helping the situation either. People who suffer from depression at work feel a lack of recognition by their superiors regarding the difficulties inherent in their position. They face contradictions. Like, for example, satisfying a customer while spending as little time as possible.
All the economic changes that the world is undergoing today force workers to live with a high degree of stress daily. The aggravating factors are the globalization of markets. Increased competitiveness. The development of information technologies. Insecurity. Finally, job insecurity.
The main factor of vulnerability is the increased workload. Added to this is the lack of autonomy in the performance of tasks. And also, the lack of esteem on the part of hierarchical superiors. Or the employer. Finally, insufficient or dysfunctional communication.
Symptoms of depression at work
In addition to this professional exhaustion, there are physical signs. There is a loss of appetite, and the taste of food, in people with this form of depression. Weight loss, or overweight, is the consequence of these variations.
Other people who suffer from depression at work have a significant increase in their sugar intake. This promotes weight gain that is sometimes very significant. Increased cardiovascular risks. I am thinking of tobacco consumption. Or various psychoactive substances such as alcohol or cocaine.
In terms of sexuality, one of the signs is a drop in libido. People with depression at work lose interest in sex life. This often leads to complete sexual abstinence.
Some pains appear. Headache. Backache. Muscle aches. We also notice digestive problems and stomach ulcers.
In addition to the physical symptoms mentioned above, some people, victims of depression at work, have skin problems. Psoriasis. Eczema. Shingles. They regularly suffer from infections. Cold. Sometimes the flu or sinusitis.
Depression at work: Physiological symptoms
On the physiological level, we note:
- A constant demotivation about the professional tasks to be fulfilled
- Permanent irritation ( mood disorder )
- Spontaneous anger
- Frequent crying
- A sense of frustration
- The feeling of being incompetent and useless
- The need to isolate yourself
- The feeling of having a life full of failures
- Difficulty concentrating
- Of indecision and confusion
- Memory loss
- Thoughts of suicide. For the most serious cases
Depression at work: The need for change
Men and women suffer almost equally from depression at work. All age groups are affected.
To treat depression at work, regain a balanced state of health, and a satisfactory feeling of well-being, several types of treatments are possible.
In general, a work stoppage is essential. This break, more or less substantial, allows you to regain your strength. It is about staying away from a toxic and pathogenic environment.
This rest, while essential in the healing process, does not cure depression at work.
If you want to get back to the normal course of your life, profound changes are needed. These changes are taking place in your professional environment. As your way of life, I refer to the meaning you give to your work, like dealing with stress.
Depression at work: take a test
I recommend seeing a doctor for sick leave to see whether you are depressed at work. Everyone makes a diagnosis. Then guide you to treat your depression at work in the best conditions for you.
Before consulting, take a few minutes to take the test below. This allows you to specify your choice to consult or not.
Take the time to read each question. Take a paper and a pen. Read a question. Then write the number down on your sheet. Finally, next to the number corresponding to the question, answer as spontaneously as possible with “yes” or “no”.
Depression at work: the test
- Are you less interested in the things you once enjoyed?
- Are you sad, or do you feel gloomy?
- Is your activity slowing down?
- Are you unable to sit still?
- Do you think you are worthless, or are you currently feeling a sense of guilt?
- Has there been a change in your diet?
- Have you lost or gained weight?
- Do you have trouble concentrating and thinking?
- Are your thoughts and concerns constantly turned to the past?
- Do you have trouble sleeping or falling asleep?
- Do you think you are sleeping too much?
- Are you running out of energy?
- Do you feel like sleeping all the time?
- Do you feel less happy/happy than most people?
- Does your life seem empty and meaningless at this time?
- Does your future seem hopeless?
Depression at work: The test results
If you reply more than seven times “Yes” to these questions, then I regret to inform you that you are most likely suffering from depression at work. I, therefore, suggest that you consult as soon as possible. Or use a Telehealth Psychiatry Services program.
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