Most workers with depression don”t recognize need for treatment

Almost 40 per cent of participants were experiencing significant depressive symptoms and, of that group, 52.8 per cent did not recognize a need to seek help.

Canadians and their co-workers might be depressed and not even realize it, according to a report on workplace health.

The researchers believe that their study will be able to improve the strategies of clinicians in terms of battling depression not only in older adults but also in the general population.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health conducted the experiment by collecting answers from telephone questionnaires and Internet surveys of Ontario residents who have been working over the past year. “This barrier has a significant impact on health and work productivity, and is an area where employers can focus efforts to reduce work productivity loss”. Responses were from 2,219 people aged 18 to 65 years old.

Those who insist on digital contact rather than face-to-face meetings will increase their chances of depression, while those who see loved ones three times a week are less likely to fall victim to the mental health problem. “Our study suggests that helping workers understand when they should be seeking help would significantly boost work productivity”. Attitudinal barriers include stigma of mental illness and belief that treatment is ineffective.

The researchers assessed structural and attitudinal barriers to accessing services.

Structural barriers included difficulties in accessing appropriate mental health care and financial limitations. Strategies could be made to better overcome these barriers, and get more individuals who require treatment to utilize it. The team found that by removing the barrier work productivity loss dropped by 33 percent.

“Youth who are at risk, and may have a few symptoms but not full blown depression would probably benefit from getting (cognitive-behavioral therapy) earlier, prior to developing a full-blown episode”, said researchers.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada’s largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital and a world leading research centre in this field. “This is the first look at the role that the type of communication with loved ones and friends plays in safeguarding people from depression”, said study lead author Dr. Alan Teo in a news release.