Matthew: “I’ve been struggling with work-related Depression. As a manager, I feel a responsibility to help my employees, but I can barely manage my own symptoms.”
heyy, Helper: “It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. Let’s work together to create a plan that prioritises your mental health and helps you support your team in a healthy way.”
Matthew: “That sounds like a good idea. I want to be a positive influence for my employees, but I know I need to take care of myself first.”
As a manager, you want to create a supportive workplace culture where your employees can thrive both personally and professionally. However, managing a team can be challenging, especially when it comes to supporting employees with mental health conditions such as Depression. It can be difficult to know how to support someone when you’re not sure what they’re going through, but it’s important to remember that your support can make a big difference in their life.
Depression is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to function at work, which can lead to a decrease in productivity and even job loss. As a manager, it’s important to recognize the signs of Depression and take steps to support your employees who are struggling.
Tips for Managers to Support their Employees with Depression-
The first step in supporting employees with Depression is to recognize the signs and symptoms of the condition. These may include a lack of motivation or interest in work, changes in mood, difficulty concentrating, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns. If you notice any of these signs, it may be a good idea to reach out to your employee and ask how they are doing.
It’s important to create an environment where employees feel comfortable talking about their mental health. Make it clear that you are open to discussing mental health and that employees can come to you if they are struggling. Encourage employees to take breaks if they need them, and try to be flexible with schedules if possible.
There are many resources available to employees with Depression, including counseling and therapy services, support groups, and employee assistance programs. Make sure your employees are aware of these resources and encourage them to use them if they need to. If your company offers an employee assistance program, make sure employees know how to access it and what services are available.
Consider offering mental health days as part of your employee benefits package. These are days where employees can take time off specifically to focus on their mental health and well-being. This can help reduce the stigma around mental health and encourage employees to prioritise their mental health.
Depression can be a difficult condition to deal with, and recovery may take time. Be patient with your employees and offer understanding and support. Let them know that you are there to help and that you are committed to helping them succeed in their role.
Physical activity has been shown to be a great way to improve mood and reduce symptoms of Depression. Encourage your employees to take breaks and engage in physical activity, such as walking, stretching, or even yoga. Consider offering wellness programs that include physical activity as a way to support your employees’ mental health.
Some employees may need a quiet space to take a break or collect their thoughts during the workday. Consider providing a designated space in the office where employees can go to take a break, meditate, or simply relax. This can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm in the workplace.
Flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible hours, can be incredibly beneficial for employees with Depression. It can help them better manage their symptoms and balance their work and personal lives. Consider offering flexible work arrangements for employees who need it.
Consider providing training for your team on how to recognize and support employees with Depression. This can help create a more supportive workplace culture and increase awareness around mental health. It can also help reduce the stigma associated with mental health conditions.
Make a point to check in with your employees regularly and ask how they are doing. This can help you stay on top of any potential issues and provide support when needed. Encourage open and honest communication and make it clear that you are there to support your employees.
Reaching out
Reach out to our ‘Experts’ when you feel that your issues are deep-rooted.
Make sure you stick to your treatment plan, take action, and Work closely with your mental health practitioner to address your concerns. You can also take a self-assessment on the heyy app to keep monitoring your progress. And remember, change what you can in the present moment and let the rest take its course.
Helpers at heyy, are trained and experienced Mental Health Professionals who are equipped with tools to provide 24×7 mental health care to our users. Toxic Workplace, trauma, and chronic stress are severe issues that can have grave mental health consequences.
Download the heyy app and check your Health Score by taking our Health Assessment. Make sure to repeat this at the end of every month to keep track of yourself.
We are just one click away to guide you in the next steps of your mental health journey, it’s as easy as sending a heyy,!