Helping employees who are dealing with SAD

Many people feel general depression that is triggered by the extra demands the holidays make on our schedule and pocketbooks. Grief from the loss of a family member or the stress of dealing with family dysfunction may also be amplified this time of year. This can cause a depressed mood that is commonly called the "holiday blues."

If you tend to feel down in the winter months but perk up in the spring, you may be affected by the "winter blues," or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD can also occur in the summer, but this is much less common. SAD is believed to be triggered by seasonal chemical and hormonal changes. Researchers are still studying fall- or winter-onset SAD, but they know that people who experience this type of depression for at least two years in a row:

• Have less serotonin in their brain. Serotonin is a chemical that helps regulate mood.
• Have more melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that helps us maintain a normal sleep cycle.

Symptoms of depression can include:

• A sad, anxious or empty feeling that lasts for two weeks or longer.
• Hopelessness.
• Irritability, frustration or restlessness.
• Feeling guilty or worthless.
• Losing interest in things you previously enjoyed.
• Lower energy level.
• Difficulty focusing, remembering or making decisions.
• Changes in sleep and eating patterns.
• Unexplained weight changes.
• Unexplained aches and pains or headaches.
• Unexplained gastrointestinal problems.
• Thoughts of death or suicide.

It may help to know that these types of depression are typically temporary. They usually occur for a few months, and then get better after the holidays or when spring has sprung. Even so, there's no need to wait it out because there are effective treatments for winter depression.

The following four approaches are used to treat SAD. They can be used alone or in combination:

• Light therapy is used to treat SAD. The patient is exposed to a light box. This stimulates production of serotonin.
• Vitamin D supplements are also used to treat SAD specifically.
• Antidepressants and talk therapy are used to treat SAD as well as general depression. Antidepressants work by changing brain chemistry and can be effective when used alone or with talk therapy.
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When an employee is struggling with winter depression, you may have higher claims costs and absenteeism and reduced productivity. However, there are actions companies can take that help employees manage winter depression. RTWMatters offers the following tips:

Keep them on the job. The purpose and social interaction that a job provides is good for your employees' self-esteem and can lessen the impact of depression.

Be aware of the symptoms and respond with sensitivity. Does an employee with a good work history suddenly seem less productive and engaged? Are they snapping at coworkers or finding it difficult to stay focused? Are they coming to work late or using more sick days? Instead of immediately using disciplinary measures, ask the employee how they're doing. Let them know they're valued and needed.

Listen. Manager and supervisors shouldn't try to fill the shoes of a mental health professional, but they can listen if an employee wants to talk. Encourage them to seek help from a psychologist or counselor.

Be flexible. A person with depression may need ongoing treatment. Give them time away from the workplace to get the help they need.

Reduce job stressors. Depression affects more than your mood – it can impact memory and cognitive abilities, as well. Talk to your employee to see if they think temporarily giving them lower-stress job duties will be helpful. If there's conflict with another employee, it may be helpful to separate them or mediate arguments.

Suggest ways to stay on track. An employee with depression may have trouble concentrating. Encourage your employees to make lists and double-check tasks to help them stay productive and meet deadlines.

Discourage gossip. All employees deserve to have their privacy respected. Gossip and rumors shouldn't be tolerated in the workplace. Hold people who engage in this behavior accountable.

Create a stigma-free workplace. Provide education to your employees so they understand that depression is a common and treatable health issue. It's nothing to be ashamed of and should be treated that way.

Encourage healthy work/life balance. This can help speed recovery and prevent depression from happening in the first place.

Take advantage of these resources for employers:

• Mental Health America offers a Workplace Wellness Program that includes information and training support for employers.
• Make sure you include virtual counseling in your employee benefits program. With Recuro Health, members have access to both virtual urgent care and virtual counseling.
  • Recuro Health urgent care offers access to U.S. board-certified doctors and medical providers that are available 24/7 to diagnose, treat and prescribe medication (when medically necessary) for many minor illnesses and injuries such as colds, flu, sore throats or allergies, via phone or online video visits.
  • Recuro Health counseling offers licensed therapists that can help with a wide range of mental and emotional health needs for adults and children ages 10 and older. Members receive ongoing support, on their schedule, from the comfort and privacy of their own home via phone or online video visits in as little as 48 hours.

Contact a Group Health sales executive to learn more about how Allstate Benefits can help your company and your employees.