Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders. Healthcare workers have an increased risk of developing mental health disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD) and other depressive disorders. According to the International Journal of Nursing Studies, “The prevalence of depression was estimated at 30% in a nationwide survey of more than 10,000 healthcare workers [. . .] Preventing, and actively managing, depression in healthcare settings is therefore a priority.” Living with depression while working in the healthcare field increases the risk of emotional burnout. Mental health support is essential, and Driftwood Recovery ensures that clinicians and support staff have access to emotional and mental health support.
Risk Factors for Depression in Healthcare Workers
Individuals who work in healthcare frequently experience stressful situations and may hear, witness, or experience traumatic events at work. Personal stressors may also cause people to experience stress in the workplace. For example, healthcare workers experiencing relationship conflicts may have difficulty managing workplace stressors or maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Some common risk factors for depression include:
- Work-related stress, including exposure to traumatic or emotionally distressing events
- A poor work-life balance
- History of mental health disorders
- Chronic physical illness or pain
- Relationship problems
- Social isolation or lack of a support system
- Physical and emotional exhaustion
- Irregular or insufficient sleep caused by rotating work shifts or other factors
- Financial instability
- Unhealthy family environment
Any life stressors have the potential to cause depressive symptoms. However, trauma, chronic stress, and persistent physical or mental illness may increase a person’s risk of becoming depressed. Working while experiencing depression makes it difficult for people to function and may reduce the quality of life for some individuals.
Living With Depression While Working in a High-Stress Environment
Individuals working in healthcare often have long shifts where they engage with coworkers and people experiencing physical or emotional distress. The pressure of working in a high-stress environment stops some individuals from effectively managing depressive disorders.
Depression causes a wide range of symptoms and side effects, including:
- Sleep disturbances
- Chronic fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Feel persistently sad, anxious, or helpless
- Slowed speech or movements
- Changes to appetite causing significant weight loss or gain
- Physical symptoms, including body aches
- Behavioral changes and mood swings
The symptoms and side effects of depression may impact a person’s ability to complete workplace responsibilities. Struggling to meet obligations or expectations at work can worsen depressive symptoms. Healthcare workers benefit from getting professional treatment to manage symptoms of MDD and other depressive disorders. Driftwood Recovery prioritizes staff safety and provides support services to help employees manage depression and maintain positive mental health.
Managing Symptoms at Work While Living With Depression
Working and managing symptoms of depression takes dedication, a willingness to ask for help and careful planning. People often have to rely on their loved ones and coworkers to assist them in overcoming challenges related to depression and other mental health disorders. The severity of symptoms may fluctuate daily, making it essential for healthcare workers to have a solid support system. People must develop a strategy for reducing the impact of depression on their work while establishing and maintaining positive routines.
A few of the ways healthcare workers manage depression while working include:
- Taking advantage of mental health support services, including individual therapy and support groups
- Utilizing employee assistance programs (EAPs)
- Practicing self-care during and after work
- Mindfulness-based exercises and other stress-reduction techniques
- Setting clear boundaries to establish a work-life balance
- Delegating work tasks whenever possible
- Engaging in healthy activities and hobbies
How people manage their depressive symptoms varies depending on their resources, responsibilities, and personal preferences. Some forms of depression may require prescription medication or other treatments to make symptoms manageable.
Healthcare Professionals Living With Depression Benefit From Support Resources
Support resources allow people to continue working while healing and addressing the underlying issues contributing to the depression. The type of disorder a person is diagnosed with impacts how they manage the symptoms. For example, individuals with major depressive disorder may need to take more breaks during work or take vacation days during more severe depressive episodes, while individuals with postpartum depression may need to attend treatment programs and take medication. Many treatment programs and services accommodate individuals who have work responsibilities.
Setting Clear Work-Life Boundaries
One of the most important things a person can do to manage depression while working is to set clear work-life boundaries with supervisors, coworkers, and family members. Some people may even choose to transfer to other healthcare positions that give them additional time and space to focus on their mental health. Driftwood Recovery encourages staff members to express if they need support or want to adjust their responsibilities to accommodate treatment for depression or other conditions. Staff members have the freedom to set clear boundaries between home and work. The management team provides guidance and access to EAPs to ensure staff feel supported and empowered as they navigate treatment for depression or other mental health issues.
Depression is prevalent and manifests in many different ways. Healthcare workers must support and uplift clients and coworkers. Being positive and meeting workplace responsibilities while experiencing depressive episodes may cause significant emotional distress or physical health side effects. Depression impacts all areas of a person’s life, including relationships and work productivity. Healthcare workers have high-stress jobs, and this may increase the severity of mental health disorders, including depression. Driftwood Recovery ensures staff members feel comfortable speaking up if they need mental health support. Management checks in with staff daily to ensure they feel comfortable in their position. To learn more about our facility and how we support staff, call us today at (512) 759-8330.