Workplace depression: What people should know

More often than not, the tragic reality of workplace depression rears its ugly head when it is already too late and when there is not a lot that can be done about the situation. While there are a number of occupational hazards to consider, depression should never be ignored. It has become quite the prevalent problem that HR departments all over the world have included special training for employees to spot colleagues who might have workplace depression.

On that note, Curtis Cripe shares some of the things employees should know about workplace depression.

Workplace depression can be spotted.

Just like depression anywhere else, workplace depression can be identified. However, people need to know and recognize the signs and symptoms, most of which are behavioral in nature. Employees should keep an eye out for colleagues who have erratic moods, have trouble focusing, have low morale, have memory problems, are restless or irritable one day and jovial the next, often feel fatigued, and regularly complain about having trouble sleeping at night.

Go through the proper channels.

Most companies with HR departments now have programs in place in case their employees are diagnosed with depression. For companies without HR departments, they can reach out to local institutions, either private or government-owned, that provide help for people with depression. As for employees, Curtis Cripe always recommends going through the proper channels of reporting a person that may have depression.

Curtis Cripe, Ph.D., is the director of research and development at the NTL Group, which specializes in neuroengineering programs aimed at the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. More on Dr. Cripe and his work here.