Symptoms of depression at work include decreased productivity, low morale, lack of cooperation, accidents, absenteeism, fatigue, health complaints, and alcohol and drug abuse. A person with depression may also show a decrease in motivation, isolate him or herself from coworkers, fail to contribute in meetings, avoid eye contact and show changes in personal appearance. Many sufferers themselves are unaware that they are clinically depressed. In addition, depressed people can be absent even when they show up for work. Actions of a depressed employee may affect the work of others.
Resentment then builds, and morale then plummets.
Identifying and Treating Depression Learning to identify the depressed employee is the most difficult step. It is not only preferable, but beneficial to business, to seek early intervention. Depression is a very subtle kind of deficit. Because depression tends to unwind slowly and quietly, both the quality and quantity of work begins to decline without a clear explanation. For women, unique sources of stress arise both on and off the job.