Do you frequently have employees that call in sick? Does your business have a high turnover rate? Do your managers fail to meet productivity targets?
When it comes to mental health and the workplace, many managers, bosses and even business owners are under the impression it isn’t something they should be concerned with. However, there are many reasons why untreated mental health can have a big impact on your business, productivity, customer service and employees.
While symptoms of common mental health problems, such as depression, addictions, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Borderline Personality Disorder, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety and other related disorders— are all described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. These symptoms tend to manifest themselves differently while at work. This can often lead to symptoms going unnoticed; however, the consequences often aren’t.
Depression in The Workplace
Often depression may be described by the employee or co-worker as “low mood” or “I’m in a funk” as the defining symptom. However, depression in the workplace is more likely to manifest in behaviors such as avoidance of work events and coworkers, irritability, nervousness, difficulty getting along with others or increased social withdrawal and less engagement by the employee. Physical complaints can also be common among employees with depression, such as a preoccupation with aches and pains, and increased absenteeism.
Bipolar Disorder in The Workplace
Bipolar disorder is often characterized by the cycling between elevated (manic) and depressed moods. During a manic phase, an employee may appear highly energetic and creative which may be pleasing to the employer. However, this can become disruptive when the employee is experiencing rapid or pressured speech. In other words, it becomes difficult for others to get a word in because the employee cannot stop speaking. This can appear to others as self-aggrandizing, triggering or disruptive, and even overly aggressive. During a depressed phase, an employee may appear “down” restless, fatigued, tearful, irritable, sad and less engaged with coworkers or work-related tasks.
Anxiety in The Workplace
Anxiety disorders are actually quite common and may manifest as negative self-talk, poor concentration, indecisiveness, excessive worrying, performance anxiety and seeking reassurance from supervisors or coworkers. Employees suffering from anxiety at work may require constant reassurance about their job performance in the workplace or have trouble presenting in front of groups.
It is important to create a workplace culture that de-stigmatizes getting support for mental health issues; while discussing the importance of self-care and work life balance. According to
Harvard, businesses that focus on the mental health of their employees are proven to be more productive overall, have lower turnover rates, and less sick days call outs. While treatment may not be a quick fix, the overall investment is worth it, according to
research and statistics.
Start Mental Health Treatment in Phoenix, Arizona Today
Are you currently on a performance plan? Have you been told that others have difficulty connecting or getting along with you while at work? Do you struggle with receiving feedback from your supervisor or other co-workers? Do you worry that you are not measuring up? Do you worry that others do not like you and take on too much at work to get them to like you? Do you spend hours reviewing and re-writing emails before sending, because you need them to be perfect?
If you think your mental health condition is having an impact on your life, NewPoint of View Counseling can help. We can help you to develop interpersonal effectiveness skills that will help you to get your needs met without losing your job. We can help you to acquire mindfulness techniques to manage anxiety and depression in addition to teaching you skills to reduce anger and irritability.
Schedule an appointment with one of our Phoenix therapists today.