One in fourteen workers battled depression for two weeks or longer in the past year.  Pretty sobering for those that are suffering, as well as their friends, family, and co-workers.  One in nine employees in Personal Care and Service, suffered from depression while the number was one in ten for Food Preparation and Service, Community and Social Services, and Health Care Professionals. 

The national report from the Substance Abuse and Metal Health Services Administration also found that women were more likely than men to have had a major bout of depression, while younger workers had higher rates than older colleagues.

Having battled with depression for nearly 18 months after my mom died, I understand the devastating effects of this disease on my family and friends.  I never considered suicide, but there were days and weeks where I didn’t want to do anything.  Some days getting dressed was the highlight of my day, other days and weeks I just moped around.

Worse yet, I developed panic attacks.  For those of you fortunate enough to have never suffered from a panic attack, consider yourself lucky.  Worse yet, I developed the panic attacks prior to speaking, a big part of what I do and who I am.  In fact, I cancelled two speeches as I was (literally) unable to get out of bed, to stop shaking, to get my emotions under control.

With the help of a wonderful group of doctors and nurses, and my friends in pharmaceuticals, I was able to get a handle on my illness.  I stopped taking my depression medicine (with the advice and consent of my doctors), and my panic attacks are significantly better than they were, although they will probably not ever disappear completely.

Depression costs $3 billion to $4 billion in lost productivity every single month, over $100,000,000 every single day.  Look for the warning signs, and provide help where you can.  Your employees, their friends, and family will appreciate it.