Depression in the South African workplace

Depression is a common psychiatric disorder and can be costly, having a significant impact on the individual and employers. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) in partnership with HEXOR, with the support of Lundbeck, undertook research into depression in the workplace, because Sou...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Marthinus P. Stander, Margreet Bergh, Helen Elizabeth Miller-Janson, Janetta C. De Beer, Frans A. Korb
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AOSIS 2016-05-01
Series:South African Journal of Psychiatry
Online Access:http://www.sajp.org.za/index.php/sajp/article/view/814
Description
Summary:Depression is a common psychiatric disorder and can be costly, having a significant impact on the individual and employers. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) in partnership with HEXOR, with the support of Lundbeck, undertook research into depression in the workplace, because South African information is not available on this topic. It provides insight into the prevalence of depression within the workplace in South Africa, as well as the impact of depression on the employees and employers in terms of sick leave and levels of productivity, especially when the symptoms include cognitive impairment. It is apparent that stigma plays a pivotal role in the reasons for non-disclosure to employers. It further highlights the magnitude of awareness, early detection and the provision of a holistic support system within the work environment, free from bias, to ensure that optimum benefit can be achieved for both employer and employee.
ISSN:1608-9685
2078-6786