We spend a large proportion of our time at work. Our experience at the workplace is one of the major factors determining our overall wellbeing.
Employers and managers who incorporate workplace initiatives to promote mental health and to support employees who have mental illness see gains not only in the health of their employees but also in their productivity.
A negative working environment may lead to physical and mental health problems; harmful use of substances or alcohol, absenteeism and reduced productivity. Depression and anxiety disorders are common mental disorders that have an impact on our ability to work and to work productively.
Globally, more than 300 million people suffer from depression. More than 260 million are living with anxiety disorders. Many live with both. Depression and anxiety disorders have major cost implications for the economy.
Life Mental Health is a leading provider of mental health services in South Africa at nine dedicated facilities across four provinces, including at Life St Joseph’s in Durban. The mental healthcare services offered include general psychiatry, treatment for substance dependence or other addictions associated with psychiatric disorders. Treatments offered include evidence-based drug therapy, individual psychiatric consultations and psychotherapy, group therapy and, where needed, physical therapy.
Symptoms of Depression
Not everyone who is depressed or who has bipolar mood disorder will have every symptom. Some people may have only a few symptoms, whereas others will have many.
• Feeling sad or feeling “empty” most of the time
• Feeling anxious or hopeless about life
• Feeling guilty, or feeling helpless
• Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts, fear of dying
• Restlessness, irritability, or anger
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering things or making decisions
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed
• Having less energy than usual, tired all the time, feeling slowed down
• Losing weight by not eating or gaining weight by overeating
• Early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, stomach pain, back or chest pain, even if they have been checked by a doctor
Panic Attack Symptoms
• Sense of being very scared, frightened or terrorised
• Rapid and audible heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing and or chest pains
• Dizziness, light-headedness, feeling sick
• Tingling or no feeling in the hands
• Hot flushes or shivering
• Sense of not feeling normal, fear of losing control, going crazy or doing something embarrassing, or a fear of dying
If someone you know is experiencing mental health problems or needs urgent support, contact Life St Joseph’s.