Only one in four people suffering from depression inform their HR departments as they are scared it might jeopardise their status or reputation at work.
Furthermore, almost one third believe that they have been turned down for a job as a result of their condition.
The research undertaken by the Depression Alliance found one in 10 UK workers suffer from depression or anxiety, although a large number of them believe holding down a job makes them feel better.
Despite this, four in five people diagnosed with depression are anxious about telling their colleagues of their condition as they are frightened that it may damage their prospects or standing within the company.
And it would seem that in some cases their fears were warranted. Of those who had confided in colleagues half said they were discouraged from taking on exciting projects, 48% said they were avoiding by colleagues, 47% reported receiving snide comments from their peers and 50% claimed to be overlooked for promotion.
The report also revealed that many workplaces do not have the structures in place to support their employees, with 14% of respondents not having access to any support and 91% not having access to support when required. Flexitime, cover for time off and counseling were the three areas that came out of the report as being most desired by people with depression.
Emer O’Neill, chief executive of the Depression Alliance said that sufferers of depression need support from employers and colleagues: “Having a job is very important to people with depression, so employers and colleagues need to have a much greater understanding of the challenges faced by people with depression to provide the support they need to contribute fully.”
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2008
