Depression in the Workplace

It’s easy to feel alone in the workplace when dealing with depression. (Photo courtesy of flickr user Kenny Louie)

There’s no doubt depression interferes with people’s lives.  It affects the person who has depression, but it also affects the people around that one person.  It affects their family, friends and co-workers.  Friends and family generally tend to understand; as for fellow workers?  It varies.

A recent study shows women in authoritative positions in the workplace are far more likely to develop depression than men in those roles.  This is mostly due to the stresses of working under pressure to continue breaking the glass ceiling.  Women in less powerful roles are still more likely to develop depression, but the difference is not nearly has high as those working as higher-ups.

Depression & Gender Roles

Depression does not care whose mind it inhabits.  Anyone can fall prey to it:  men or women, young or old, rich or poor.

Family histories, drug abuse and other factors play a role in determining those at higher risk.  Regardless, it can affect anyone.  Even though people are generally aware of that, they don’t always realize how their actions can change a person’s willingness to seek help.  Sometimes what they act on is something that has been ingrained in society.  Gender roles are one such example.  They both help and hinder people from getting help.