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The Effects of Major Depression on the Job

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 15 million people experience major depression each year (see Reference 1). This debilitating condition can seriously impact one's professional life and work.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of major depression include feelings of sadness, guilt, fatigue, worthlessness and hopelessness. Additional symptoms include changes in appetite, sleep and concentration. Major depression can also cause tense muscles and physical illness.

    Missed Deadlines

    • People suffering from depression may experience a dip in motivation and the necessary energy to finish projects and assignments. Memory problems and low concentration cause depressed people to forget and miss deadlines.

    Absenteeism

    • Depression can render a person physically immobile and unable to go to work. Physical ailments sometimes accompany major depression and prevent people from going to work. According to a 2003 study, major depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States (see Reference 2).

    Quality of Work

    • Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness and anxiety can interfere with concentration and thinking. Major depression can lead to detrimental outcomes because of reduced productivity.

    Ask For Help

    • Major depression is a medical condition that requires professional help. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms and if they interfere with your daily activities and quality of living for two or more weeks.

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