INTRODUCTION
Workplace depression is a rising issue in the workplace, especially in fast-paced cities like New York City, where high demands and expectations are the norm. Many people are quietly in the throes of depression – in most cases this leads to a loss of productivity, poor engagement, and a general feeling of malaise.Â
Therapists in NYC understand these challenges and offer real-world, pragmatic strategies to help individuals cope with depression while working. This blog will go over really practical approaches to mental health at work, from self-care to accommodations in the workplace, and strategies to proactively manage depression.
Understanding Depression in the Workplace
Depression is more than just sadness; it is a clinically diagnosed mood disorder that negatively affects people’s lives. People who are depressed will often experience and exhibit hopelessness, disinterest, and impaired functioning.Â
In the workplace, depression translates to lower productivity, increased absenteeism, and harm to workplace morale. Employees do not report their struggles to supervisors because of stigma, or fear of career implications.Â
The problem of workplace depression becomes exacerbated by other problems.Â
- For example, high levels of stress from demanding jobs (especially in competitive and fast-paced environments like NYC) contribute to employees feeling overwhelmed and burned out.Â
- Long hours and work-life imbalance cause stress and burnout, while remote work or lack of social connection can lead to isolation or reduced social support and increased symptoms.Â
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, depression remains one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and is a significant predictor of performance-related impacts at work.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression at Work
Awareness of depression in the workplace is important in order for appropriate support to be put in place in a timely manner.Â
- Common identifiers of depression in the workplace are a significant decline in work performance and productivity, with frequent tardiness, absenteeism, or concerns about the individual being present at work.Â
- Individuals with depression may feel disoriented and/or make poor decisions, and are likely to withdraw from coworkers or social events.Â
- Most individuals experience notable changes in appetite or sleep, along with increased irritability, frustration, or other emotional responses.Â
- Individuals may develop physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or other persisted side effects that did not previously exist.Â
- If you see these signs of depressive symptoms in yourself or a coworker, this is something to consider and act on, such as speaking to them about mental health services to address a possible depressive state.
Challenges of Depression in NYC Workplace
In the work environment of New York City, depression poses different challenges based on unique factors of the work environment. Work places in New York City are known for work, deadlines and pace.Â
- A lot of the time, these companies will demand long hours of work, and the exciting high paced workspace for working may contribute to chronic stress, obviously, is tied to depression.Â
- Furthermore, many workers have demanding commutes on over-crowded subway trains and/or through traffic congestion, which are mentally exhausting prior to even beginning work.Â
- With the competitive job market and ever rising cost of living in New York, it is understandable for many workers to worry about underperforming or fear of losing their job responsibilities and/or position, therefore contributing to significant emotional strain.Â
- As you can see, gaining balance between work and life is already unfairly difficult. It is often an extremely challenging work environment that has little to no time for personal or social “self-care”, which usually includes some personal physical and mental well-being.Â
- Also, The stigma attached to mental health continues to create significant barriers in the workplace.Â
- There is still an uneasy hesitation for many workers to discuss their emotional concerns, due to fear of judgment, both socially, and/or the possibility of losing their job.Â
Considering all of this happens before considerations of supporting an employee with depression, it is no wonder why identifying a depressed worker, and providing support is significantly delayed.
The Role of NYC Therapists in Workplace Depression
Depression therapists in New York specialize in approaches to treat workplace depression.Â
- Therapists approach workplace depression with an individualized therapy experience that draws on their familiarity with New York City’s fast-paced, high-pressure working environment.
- Evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and stress management strategies.Â
- There are also group therapy options, including peer support groups where employees can present their experiences with workplace anxiety and burnout, along with support from their peers.Â
- Some therapists in New York City partner with corporations to create wellness programs and provide mental health workshops and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to improve workplace experiences.Â
- For clients that have limited schedules, teletherapy offers a convenient and effective way to have ongoing professional support.Â
Depression therapists in New York emphasize early intervention for mental health, and working to normalize health conversations and situations where we can further engage people around stigma and enhance psychological resilience in the workplace.
Strategies Offered by NYC Therapists to Manage Depression at Work
Therapists in New York City provide a number of ways to help manage depression in the workplace by creating open lines of open communication and reducing stigmas.Â
- If leadership fosters an environment to openly discuss mental health, create events to promote awareness, and introduce resources such as manager check-ins, employees would consider thriving in a somewhat more psychologically safe manner.Â
- The workplace should solidify its stance on mental health, through clear mental health policies, such as paid mental health days, flexible schedules, and access to Employee Assistance Programs.Â
- Therapists also promote work-life balance, physical wellness as it pertains to mental wellness, and resources to promote mental health (i.e., breaks, exercise, sleep hygiene, and access to therapy).Â
- Therapists have also taught employers stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, journaling, and time management, as well as offered workshops related to mindfulness.Â
- Therapists have long promoted social support, for example having opportunities for Peer Support, team building activities, or mentorship, which can have a positive impact in counteracting isolation and building resiliency.Â
- These are complex issues, and if therapists were to endorse intervention-based strategies to build a kinder work culture, the end goal would be a healthier, more productive, and increasingly-kind work environment for employees struggling in silence with depression.
How Employees Can Take Initiative
Employees can take proactive measures to look after their mental wellness in the workplace.Â
- The first, and most important step, is to recognize and accept their mental health needs. It is critical that employees seek help as soon as possible from a licensed and qualified therapist or counselor to address their needs before they become unmanageable.
- Daily emotional self-care can also help employees develop resiliency when it comes to their emotional well-being.Â
- Daily habits can include mindfulness, exercise, and healthy eating.Â
- Employees will also need to share their needs with their supervisors when they are ready so that they can create a supportive atmosphere.Â
- Finally, using created workplace resources, including Employee Assistance Programs or wellness programs, can provide guidance and relief.
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How Employers Can Lead to Change
Employers play an essential role in changing workplace culture around mental health.Â
- For instance, Schedule the mental well-being of employees in a similar fashion to their physical health.Â
- You are showing that you care about employees in every aspect of their life.Â
- It is helpful to train leadership in understanding the signs and symptoms of depression, linking these with well-being to encourage support instead of shame.Â
- Employers should consider how to create affordable, comprehensive employee mental health programs by giving employees the tools to seek therapy or programs (support) and the benefits of all-around mental wellness (resources).Â
- Employers are also uniquely positioned to normalize these conversations from the top down.Â
- Affirmatively renegotiating workplace culture in organizations creates openness and removes stigma around mental health.Â
- Normalizing mental health in the workplace encourages support for employees, creates safe workplaces, is inclusive to employees and creates a productive workplace of employees who feel valued and supported.
Final Thought
Workplace depression is a serious matter in any context, but more so in high-pressure contexts like New York City.Â
- By identifying signs of workplace depression, providing preventative measures, and creating an open dialogue, workplaces can become safer spaces.Â
- From Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to teletherapy, to Employee Assistance Programs – therapists in NYC that specialize in Depression Therapy can provide the treatment and management methods to maintain recovery from depression.Â
- With more and more clinicians providing Depression Therapy in NYC, there is help available to those who are ready to act on their mental wellness and endurance at work.
Reference
- Reddy, M. S. (2010). Depression: The Disorder and the Burden. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 32(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.70510
- Website, N. (2024, October 31). Symptoms – Depression in adults. nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/depression-in-adults/symptoms/
- Lerner, D., Adler, D. A., Rogers, W. H., Chang, H., Lapitsky, L., McLaughlin, T., & Reed, J. (2010). Work Performance of Employees With Depression: The Impact of Work Stressors. American Journal of Health Promotion : AJHP, 24(3), 205. https://doi.org/10.4278/ajhp.090313-QUAN-103
- Mental Health at Workplace EAP vs MHFA Support. (n.d.). Mental Health First Aid India. https://www.mhfaindia.com/mental-health-workplace-eap-vs-mhfa
- Phillips, R., Schneider, J., Molosankwe, I., Leese, M., Foroushani, P. S., Grime, P., McCrone, P., Morriss, R., & Thornicroft, G. (2013). Randomized controlled trial of computerized cognitive behavioural therapy for depressive symptoms: effectiveness and costs of a workplace intervention. Psychological Medicine, 44(4), 741–752. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0033291713001323
- Durand-Moreau, Q., Jackson, T., Deibert, D., Els, C., Kung, J. Y., & Straube, S. (2023). Mindfulness-based Practices in Workers to Address Mental Health Conditions: A Systematic Review. Safety and Health at Work, 14(3), 250-258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2023.07.006
