Episode 048 - Understanding and Managing Depression in The Workplace

In today's episode, I will address an important issue impacting workplaces worldwide: workplace depression. This topic affects everyone directly or indirectly through colleagues, friends, or family members. I will discuss how depression manifests in the workplace, the risk factors,  warning signs, and strategies for managing depression at work. I will also share how our mindset about stress can significantly influence our mental health outcomes.

References

Deady, M., Collins, D. A. J., Johnston, D. A., Glozier, N., Calvo, R. A., Christensen, H., & Harvey, S. B. (2022). A pilot evaluation of a smartphone application for workplace depression. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(6753), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186753

Greiner, B. A., & Arensman, E. (2022). The role of work in suicidal behavior - uncovering priorities for research and prevention. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 48(6), 419–424. https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.4051 

Huebschmann, N. A., & Sheets, E. S. (2020). The right mindset: Stress mindset moderates the association between perceived stress and depressive symptoms. Anxiety, Stress, & Coping, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1080/10615806.2020.1736900

LaMontagne, A. D., Åberg, M., Blomqvist, S., Glozier, N., Greiner, B. A., Gullestrup, J., Harvey, S. B., Kyron, M. J., Madsen, I. E. H., Hanson, L. M., Maheen, H., Mustard, C., Niedhammer, I., Rugulies, R., Smith, P. M., Taouk, Y., Waters, S., Witt, K., & King, T. L. (2024). Work-related suicide: Evolving understandings of etiology & intervention. American Journal of Industrial medicine, 67(8), 679–695. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.23624 

Moon, J. Y., Choi, T. Y., Won, E. S., Won, G. H., Kim, S. Y., Lee, H. J., & Yoon, S. (2022). The relationship between workplace burnout and male depression symptom assessed by the Korean version of the Gotland Male Depression Scale. American Journal of Men's Health, 16(5), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1177/15579883221123930

Zadow, A. J., Dollard, M. F., Dormann, C., & Landsbergis, P. (2021). Predicting new major depression symptoms from long working hours, psychosocial safety climate and work engagement: A population‐based cohort study. BMJ Open, 11(6), e044133. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044133

https://www.virtual-college.co.uk/resources/uk-suicides-could-be-work-related-research-suggests

https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/download/downloads/id/678/work-related_suicide_a_qualitative_analysis_of_recent_cases_with_recommendations_for_reform.pdf

https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/articles/suicidebyoccupation/england2011to2015

What is PsychChat?

Dr Austin Aloysius Tay is the Founder and Principal Consultant of OmniPsi Consulting (www.omnipsi.com), an organisational psychology practice bridging Asia and the UK. A Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol) and Fellow of both the British Psychological Society and the Hong Kong Psychological Society, he holds a PhD in Organisational Psychology and an LLM in International and Commercial Law, and is an ICF PCC Coach, EMCC Senior Practitioner, and ACT Practitioner.

With over 30 years of commercial experience across pharma, financial services, FMCG, legal, telecoms, and international NGOs, Austin works across workplace psychology, psychometrics and assessment, leadership effectiveness, workplace bullying, evidence-based coaching, outplacement services, and ACT.

In each episode of PsychChat, Austin explores the psychology of work through a practitioner's lens, offering research-backed insight for leaders, HR professionals, and coaches navigating the complexities of modern organisational life.

Email [e-mail] or connect via X @psych_chat with comments or suggestions.