DEPRESSION IS LONELY
BUT NO ONE IS EVER ALONE
UNDERSTANDING WARNING SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, AND HOW TO HELP
WORKPLACE
WARNING SIGNS:
 Decreased productivity
 Morale problems
 Uncooperative
 Absenteeism
 Performance issues
Depression affects nearly 10% of Americans 18 yrs.
and over per year – more than 24 million people.*
This year alone more than 19 million American adults will suffer
from this misunderstood disease.
*CDC Data & Statistics Report
1 in 5 employees is likely to be affected by depression at some
point in their lives.
Allaboutdepression.com
Over 80% of people that have symptoms of clinical depression do
not receive treatment.
Healthline.com
 Poor decision making
 Problems working with others
If a person has five or more of these symptoms for
more than two weeks, or they interfere with work or
family, get a thorough diagnosis. This includes a
complete physical and a review of family history of
illness.
COMMON SYMPTOMS:
 Persistent sad, "empty" or
anxious mood
 Loss of interest or pleasure in
ordinary activities
The National Institute of Mental Health
RISK FACTORS that may trigger depression:
 Decreased energy, fatigue,
being "slowed down"

 Sleep disturbances


 Eating problems

 Difficulty making decisions,
concentrating, remembering

 Feelings of hopelessness,
pessimism

 Feelings of guilt,
worthlessness, helplessness

 Thoughts of death or suicide;
suicide attempts
 Irritability
 Excessive crying
 Chronic aches and pains



Loneliness
Lack of social support
Recent stressful life experiences
Family history of depression
Marital or relationship problems
Financial strain
Early childhood trauma or abuse
Alcohol or drug abuse
Unemployment or underemployment
Health problems or chronic pain
NOTE: Never attempt to diagnose a behavioral issue.
Contact EAP at 954-357-5600 or [email protected] to get
help for a referral to agencies specializing in depression.
If you are in crisis, call:
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
HOW TO HELP…
…YOURSELF
Depression is among the
most treatable of psychiatric
illnesses. In fact, 80% - 90%
of people with depression
respond positively to
treatment, and almost all
patients gain some relief
from their symptoms.
But first, depression
has to be recognized.
CDC Data & Statistics
Fatal Injury Report
The Broward County EAP is
available to all Broward
County Government
employees and their families.
Licensed professionals can
assist with most personal
problems affecting the quality
of life at home or on the job at
no charge. Participation in the
program is voluntary and
completely confidential.
Call for a free &
confidential appointment
at:
954-357-5600
OR email at:
[email protected]
Additional information about our
services is available at:
www.broward.org/HumanResources/EAP
…SOMEONE ELSE
- Set realistic goals/be accountable
- Encourage to seek professional help
- Confide in someone; talk to someone
about your feelings and emotions
- Accompany to doctor’s visit for moral
support and for your own
understanding
- Participate in activities you have
enjoyed in the past that will offer
peace and balance
- Monitor whether or not person is
adhering to treatment/taking
medications
- Find someone to help initiate exercise;
a friend or personal trainer
- Recommend available resources and
support groups
- Practice positive thinking to avoid a
“doom and gloom” attitude
- Explain that depression is not a
weakness; it is a disease
- Make a list of people to reconnect with
and schedule time with them
- Offer daily emotional support but be
careful not to enable
- Delay important decisions (i.e. changing - Engage in conversation, listen and ask,
“How can I best support you?”
jobs, divorce, etc.)
- Choose healthy foods – affects mood
and energy level
- Invite person for outings, walks,
activities, anything enjoyable
- SEEK professional help and accept
support from people who care
- Remind the person that day by day s/he
will get better and deserves
- DO NOT dismiss remarks about
- Be patient – feeling better takes
suicide! Report to a doctor.
time; take one day at a time
IMMEDIATELY.
treatment plan
Sometimes the cause of depression can be remedied by making lifestyle changes or
simply changing a situation. For instance, if a person is depressed because of a
dead end job, the best treatment may be finding a more satisfying career instead
of taking medication.
Helpguide.org
AVAILABLE RESOURCES
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: www.dbsalliance.org
h
National Institute of Mental Health: www.nimh.nih.gov
All About Depression.com: www.allaboutdepression.com
help
HelpGuide.org: www.helpguide.org
Depression Screening Test: www.psychcentral.com
1-800-273-TALK (8255) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline