Clinical depression is one of the most common illnesses affecting working adults. Yearly, approximately one in ten adults experiences a depressive disorder in the U.S. Depression is a workplace health issue that significantly impacts the bottom line. In this situational analysis, the literature showed that depression-related illnesses predominated in prevalence and cost over other traditional occupational health issues, such as substance disorders. It is estimated that depression costs the nation between $30 and $44 billion with approximately 200 million lost workdays each year. Employers assume much of this financial burden associated with depression, both in direct treatment costs and through absenteeism, reduced productivity, and more frequent work-related accidents. However, it is important to note that the treatment success rate for depression is high, ranging from 65% to 80%. Although this report focuses on examining the impact of depression, it is often assessed within the context of overall mental health or psychiatric problems. This is due, in large part, to the nature of the data which does not always distinguish between depression and overall mental health problems, particularly in terms of policy and legislative framework.
The situational analysis examines three major areas: Mental health at the national level, The role of government and social partners, and Managing mental health in the workplace.
Mental health at the national level begins with a discussion of the evolution of the disability rights movement in the U.S. Historically, the disability rights movement has consisted primarily of people with physical disabilities. Because the disability rights movement has a significant impact on current public policy and social awareness, mental health advocacy and awareness must be viewed within its overall context. One of the key themes in this situational analysis is that while stigma and discrimination affect the lives of all people with disabilities, people with mental health problems suffer from some of their harshest manifestations.
The report notes that during the 1990s there was a substantial increase in awareness, attention, and targeted action regarding mental illness and depression, in particular. This is due in large part to specific organisations and campaigns. Although goals and activities may differ and vary, they all promote the importance of employment or some meaningful activity for people with mental health problems. There are a number of negative myths regarding the impact of mental illness on the workplace, for example that mentally ill and mentally restored employees tend to be second rate workers. In fact, employers who have hired these individuals report that they are higher than average in attendance and punctuality and as good or better than other employees in motivation, quality of work, and job tenure. It is hoped that, with increased awareness of the causes and treatment of mental health problems, these myths will abet over time.
Work is at the very core of contemporary life for most people, providing financial security, personal identity, and an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to community life. Although a review of studies on the mental and physical health effects of unemployment and the ways in which unemployment causes adverse health outcomes suggests a complex rela-
