The Human Cost of Depression Team harmony hits a sour note Just as depression impacts every aspect of life, work performance and productivity are almost always affected as well. This includes negative changes in workplace relationships, which can have far-reaching impact. A depressed employee’s behavior changes. He or she may not see it, but co-workers surely will. The chart below demonstrates how the feelings caused by depression can look to others. Use it to start a conversation and promote understanding in your workplace. What depression feels like How it looks to co-workers Deep feelings of sadness Withdrawal from team, isolates oneself Loss of interest in work or social activities Indifference Lack of concentration, slowed thoughts and Putting things off, missed deadlines, accidents on the job difficulty thinking Forgetfulness and trouble remembering Seems "scattered" or absentminded Procrastination, indecisiveness, Trouble making decisions slowed productivity Late to work, can't get going in the a.m., afternoon Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much fatigue, accidents on the job Feelings of worthlessness or experiencing Unsure of abilities, lack of confidence inappropriate guilt Energy loss or increased fatigue Low motivation, detached Inappropriate reactions, strained relationships with Irritability, anger or tearfulness or clients Weight or appetite changes Change in appearance
The Human Cost of Depression Team harmony hits a sour note Just as depression impacts every aspect of life, work performance and productivity are almost always affected as well. This includes negative changes in workplace relationships, which can have far-reaching impact. A depressed employee’s behavior changes. He or she may not see it, but co-workers surely will. The chart below demonstrates how the feelings caused by depression can look to others. Use it to start a conversation and promote understanding in your workplace. What depression feels like How it looks to co-workers Deep feelings of sadness Withdrawal from team, isolates oneself Loss of interest in work or social activities Indifference Lack of concentration, slowed thoughts and difficulty thinking Putting things off, missed deadlines, accidents on the job Forgetfulness and trouble remembering Seems "scattered" or absentminded Trouble making decisions Procrastination, indecisiveness, slowed productivity Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much Late to work, can't get going in the a.m., afternoon fatigue, accidents on the job Feelings of worthlessness or experiencing inappropriate guilt Unsure of abilities, lack of confidence Energy loss or increased fatigue Low motivation, detached Irritability, anger or tearfulness Inappropriate reactions, strained relationships with or clients Weight or appetite changes Change in appearance
Human_Cost.docx