Depression is a term commonly used to describe everything from transient sadness to a serious health disorder that encompasses both emotional and physical symptoms. While everyone experiences feelings of sadness from time to time, a depressive disorder may be present when these feelings of sadness are prolonged and interfere with daily functioning. Depression is a real medical condition and there are many proven treatments. These treatments are often more effective if implemented in the early stages of depression.
Depression is a prolonged and persistent negative mood, which usually affects an individual's work performance and interpersonal relationships.
While sadness is key sign of depression, it is sometimes not readily apparent (i.e., people can hide their moods). It is therefore important to recognize that people who are depressed often show several other signs, including a significant change in behavior. A talkative person, for example, may suddenly become silent and detached from others. The following signs have been associated with depression:
Depression may have a significant impact on overall work performance. Members may come to work late and appear tired from lack of sleep. Poor concentration and focus may reduce productivity or accuracy. In addition, depression can lead to irritability that may foster conflict with peers and supervisors. Low morale, lack of cooperation, and unintentional injuries may also be observed on the job.
Depression can often interfere with a person’s desire to seek help. People may feel a sense of helplessness or hopelessness and become convinced that nothing can help. Some members may be afraid of medications, while other may have reservations about therapy. Other times, the stigma associated with having depression or getting help for depression may prevent people from getting the help they actually need. Knowledge that depression is a real medical condition and that effective treatments are available can be vital in getting people help…and the earlier the better! Most people with depression can be successfully treated on an outpatient basis.
Depression is most often treated on an outpatient basis. Many people with depression are helped by therapy alone. Others have better success with medication or a combination of medication and therapy. Someone who is reluctant to go t may be more open to seeing their primary care provider. Most importantly, encourage them to get help soon.
The role of commanders, watch commanders, and front line supervisors is to assist the person in getting help. Leaders should encourage use of helping agencies to resolve problems such as depression. Leaders who recognize the presence of depressive symptoms are not expected to act as counselors or therapists. Emphasize that you are looking forward to the individual returning to prior functioning and offer encouragement that effective treatments are available. Leaders can take the following steps to help members with depression:
Consult local policy directive and operating instructions specifi to mental health.
National Institute of Mental Health website: www.nimh.nih.gov
Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders; DSM-IV-TR. (2000). Washington DC: American Psychiatric Association.
Harold, K., & Benjamin, S. (1995). Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry VI eds. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins.
Hoge, C. W., & Lesikar S. E. (2002). Mental disorders among US military personnel in the 1990's: association with high levels of health care utilization and early military attrition. American Journal of Psychiatry, 159, 1576-1583
Levenson, J. (2000). Depression. Philadelphia: American College of Physicians.