Are your feelings of depression interfering with your work performance? Are you unsure on how to deal with your feelings of depression at work? To help understand what type of impact depression can have on someone’s work performance and for tips on how you can cope with depression at work, I have interviewed therapist Leslie Karen Sann, MA, LCPC.
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
“I am a Board Certified Professional Counselor, a Certified Coach and an experienced teacher and guide. I have been helping people since 1986. My business is named Living by Design and I support my clients in achieving life changing, positive outcomes. I am in private practice with offices in Geneva and Chicago, Illinois, plus I do distance sessions (on the phone or via video conference).
I consider myself blessed with the privilege to be of service to my clients. Every time I support someone in making a shift, open to greater possibility, take new action and making his or her lives better, I feel so grateful. It is a joy and an honor to be of service to someone choosing to live life by design rather than by default.”
What type of impact can depression have on someone’s work performance?
“Depression is a demotivating influence and often negatively impact on a person’s ability to perform. One of the physical effects of depression is fatigue. A depressed person often does not rest well and finds themselves ruminating and worrying quite a bit. This excessive mental activity will detract from their work performance.”
What are some tips for coping with depression at work?
“Seeing a health professional who is trained and competent in helping a person move quickly out of depression is essential. There is evidence that shows most depression is not due to a chemical imbalance, or genetic factors. It is now understood that low serotonin levels are a result, not a cause, of depression. In my opinion, there are way too many prescriptions being written for a condition that is better served by a more comprehensive and skilled approach. In most cases medication treats the symptom, not the cause of depression.
Depression can be debilitating. Taking action as soon as possible can serve the depressed person in feeling better quickly. A person can learn new skills, habits and ways of thinking that will cure the depression. It is a known fact that creating positive experiences will increase serotonin levels. And when the person takes those actions they are in charge and empowered, which is a positive experience. People feel better when taking action on their own behalf.”
What type of professional help is available for someone that is having a difficult time coping with depression at work?
“Therapies that work in treating depression are brief, solution focused, and concentrate on problem solving thus helping the depressed person learn the life skills needed to overcome the depression. It really doesn’t matter why a person is depressed. What makes a difference is taking new actions to produce positive outcomes. Certain therapies will teach a client new ways of thinking, and acting that will make a big difference in how the client feels about themselves and their situation. A combination of cognitive, behavioral and interpersonal therapy has been proven to be most effective.”
What last words would you like to leave for someone that is having a difficult time coping with depression at work?
“I encourage that person to seek assistance and to be discerning as to who they choose to help them overcome their depression. I would also suggest the following:
Take time to relax once a day for 15 – 20 minutes. Many are amazed at how increases their sense of well-being and productivity.
If you can’t chill as described above, make sure you turn off and switch gears by doing exercise or taking a walk
Enjoy yourself, daily if possible, even if you don’t feel like it. Remember, doing something that is satisfying and positive actually increases serotonin levels
Do your best to get good sleep. Go to bed no later than 11:30pm and get up by 8am
Make sure you are eating nutritious food regularly
By the way, you don’t have to be depressed to benefit from any of these practices. We could all use support in feeling better and more fulfilled in life.”
Thank you Leslie for doing the interview on tips for coping with depression at work. For more information on Leslie Karen Sann, MA, LCPC or her work you can check out her website on http://www.lesliesann.com. While you are there you can sign up for her biweekly newsletter, Living by Design Tips.
Recommended Readings:
How to Overcome Depression
Treatment for Depression
Handling Depression in a Relationship
