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With more than three million people in Australia experiencing depression, anxiety or related substance-use disorders every year, chances are you or a workmate are struggling with it.
Everyone has bad days at work and may experience a low mood from time to time, perhaps withdrawing from their usual activities. However if these behaviours persist for more than two weeks, combined with other symptoms that are out of character, it could be depression.
A colleague struggling with depression may complain of lack of sleep, become unproductive and irritable or find it hard to accept constructive criticism.
Signs of depression include:
If a colleague has such feelings and they persist for over a two week period, and they interfere with his ability to manage at home and at work, then he might need help. Having one or other of these features, by themselves, is unlikely to indicate depression, however there could be other causes which may warrant medical assessment.
If you believe someone at work may be suffering from depression or if you are worried about a workmate, please contact your Human Resources team for a confidential discussion.
For more information on depression, anxiety and related disorders visit www.beyondblue.org.au or call the information line 1300 22 4636 (local call from a landline).
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