May 10, 2004

Do You Know...

May is birthday month at Astron Solutions! This Thursday, May 13, Jason Mitchell will celebrate his special day. Jennifer Loftus is not far behind, enjoying her festivities on May 17. Happy Birthday, Jason and Jennifer!

Another E-zine You Should Consider

There are many e-zines out there. How do you know which are the good ones worth subscribing to?

Astron Solutions recommends Loomis Associates’ HRNotes, “Notes & Bits of Interest on Human Resources Matters.” The one page e-zine contains a variety of short stories culled from all areas of HR. HRNotes is free, and published monthly.

Send an e-mail to Peter Loomis to start your subscription to HRNotes today.

Depression in the Workplace

Everyone feels “blue” from time to time, but when that feeling lasts for weeks or even months, and is accompanied by changes in behavior, it is likely that the reason could be depression. Depression is a chronic illness that, when left untreated, could lead to serious health risks and even suicide. Unfortunately, due to the stigma that is still attached to mental illness, and a fear of appearing “weak,” many people do not seek the treatment that they need to improve. People with depression, try as they might, are unable to just “cheer up” or “snap out of it.” Since depression is an illness caused by a chemical imbalance, employees with depression require medical attention in order to return to a functioning, happy life. Luckily, depression is very treatable once diagnosed. Most patients are successfully treated with a combination of prescription drugs and psychotherapy.

Although depression can strike at any age, the majority of those afflicted are in their prime working years, usually between ages 24 and 44. There are approximately 19 million American diagnosed with depression (9.5% of the population). Because of its widespread nature, clinical depression has become one of America’s most costly illnesses, according to the National Mental Health Association. Depression costs the US economy over $43.7 billion in absenteeism from work (over 200 million days lost from work each year), lost productivity, and direct treatment. The World Health Organization determined that depression is second only to heart disease as the leading cause of death and disability in America.

Recognizing the symptoms

According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, almost 15% of those suffering from severe depression will commit suicide. Employees exhibiting combinations of the following behaviors may be at risk, as determined by the National Mental Health Association.

      q     Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
q     Unusual sleep pattern…sleeping too much or too little
q     Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
q     Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
q     Irritability, restlessness
q     Persistent physical symptoms that don’t respond to treatment (headaches, chronic pain, digestive disorders)
q     Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
q     Fatigue or loss of energy
q     Feelings of hopelessness and guilt
q     Suicidal gestures or comments

The good news is, according to the National Institute of Metal Health, treatment is effective in more than 80% of cases. Employees return to work healthier and happier, ready to resume their work and their life.

For more information on depression:

The National Institute of Mental Health, in conjunction with the Washington Business Group, formed the National Worksite Program, whose goal is to improve the acceptance of depression and encourage treatment in the workplace. Other organizations also offer information that includes educational materials, training, and consultations.

National Mental Health Association www.mnha.org

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill www.nami.org

National Depression Screening Project www.mentalhealthscreening.org

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance www.dbsalliance.org

National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association www.ndmda.org

Workplace Blues www.workplaceblues.com

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration www.mentalhealth.org

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ISSN Number 1549-0467