a lot and have trouble even getting out of bed. But the other side of the coin signals depression, too. If people suddenly start talking about having insomnia, and start falling asleep at work this is another sign they might be depressed.
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Not interested in their normal activities: If a co-worker stops going out to lunch with friends or stops taking walks, this may be a sign they are depressed.
Often people with smiling depression are high-functioning employees. They can appear completely normal and look like they’re having fun. That’s why it’s important for close friends at work to pay attention to even the smallest change and ask about it in a caring way.
As for HR, besides educating employees on smiling depression and what to look for, creating a work environment that is open about mental health is vital. People must feel their employer cares about them to open up to them.
Why would people hide being depressed?
There are many reasons people hide their depression.
One reason is they don’t want to burden their family, friends and co-workers with their problems.
Another reason could be they’re embarrassed. While mental health wellness has come extremely far in the past three years, some people still might see mental illness as a weakness.
And finally, they could be in denial. By ignoring their depression and acting like everything is great, they don’t have to admit to themselves that something is wrong.
But ignoring depression and keeping everything bottled up isn’t a fix. It’s often a recipe for disaster. When things finally boil over, it often leads to suicidal thoughts. And people with smiling depression are especially at high risk because they’re high-functioning people, according to the study
Understanding masked depression: A clinical scenario. They often go untreated, which leads to an increased likelihood of suicide.
If a co-worker is suspected of having smiling
depression, talk to them about it. Encourage them to seek professional help and give them sources where they can get help. Then follow up to make sure they’re taking steps to get better.
Information provided by: HR Morning
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