Depression And Work

Depression And Work

When you get the flu, you take time off from work. It is obvious to your boss, yourself, and everyone else that you feel too bad -- physically -- to perform your work duties. There is also the fear that you are spreading germs to your coworkers. It does not occur to many people -- including bosses -- that one might need to take some time off from work when they are depressed as well.

Depression can keep you from performing your job duties to the best of your ability. While you may understand why you aren't getting those reports and such done as quickly as you always have, your boss might not understand at all. In most cases, people consider depression to be a very personal issue, despite how much more society has come to understand it. When it comes to work and relationships, however, one must be open with others about their depression.

If you are suffering from depression, first check to see if you have sick time or vacation time coming. If you do, arrange to take it. Also, let your boss know what is going on. Talk to them personally -- face to face -- and express to them that you are depressed, you are under a doctor's care, and that you realize that this could have an effect on your work.

It is important that you discuss the problem with your boss, even if you have vacation time and sick time to take, because there is no time limit for depression to "run its course." For example, if you get a cold, you know that you need a day or two off from work. If you get the flu, you know that you need between four and seven days. If you have surgery, you know that you require six weeks off. With depression, you simply cannot put a number of days or weeks to it.

If you do not have vacation time or sick time, and you cannot take off from work, again, discuss the problem with your boss. It could be that you can be assigned different work that is easier or less stressful for a period of time. Regardless, it is important that they understand that you haven't lost interest in your job.