A recent survey of 1,200 conducted by Depression Alliance found that a third of people in the UK struggle to cope at work because of depression, stress or burn out, with 83 percent of those affected experiencing isolation or loneliness as a result. It is not necessarily a big workload that causes depression at work but an unfair boss and an unfair work environment are what can really have an effect on employees and really bring them down. Below are a few tips on how to combat stress and depression at work:
1) Accept stress
Denial of stress will only worsen the symptoms. People need to be honest with themselves that they are in a situation that needs to change.
2) Find the root cause of stress
This is not necessarily as easy as it sounds but good coaching can usually get to the heart of the matter fairly quickly. People need to spend time contemplating their feelings understand the sources of stress and talking to a friend or business coach can help provide clarity and focus.
3) Identify what needs to happen to change the cause of the stress
important not to place too much emphasis on reducing the symptoms without acknowledging the underlying causes. Changing the cause might include looking for a more suitable job. Other examples of changing the cause might include arranging for some work to be delegated to others. It could also include improving organisational skills so that things don’t get so out of control in the future.
4) Focus on the solution not the problem
Instead of dwelling on the problem, people need to ask themselves how they would ideally be feeling or what their ideal desired outcome is. Too often people get stuck thinking about a problem without considering an alternative or focusing on the end result they want to achieve.
5) Socialise
When stressed or depressed, people tend to overlook their hobbies, friends and interests but spending time with family and friends can be the best tonic. Exercise also helps combat stress and depression by releasing endorphins that create a natural high and it can help replace feelings of tension with optimism and calm.
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