Seasonal Depression at Work: How to Support Your Co-Workers During the Darkest Months

Admin

posted on 5 days ago — updated on 1 second ago

14
views

Everyone has a bad day here or there, but sometimes, there are larger periods when your co-workers need some extra support. Maybe they’ve had a big life | SUCCESS

Search ... Results See all results

Quick Links

SECTIONS

JOIN US

GET IN TOUCH

CONNECT

Instagram Facebook Tiktok Linkedin Pinterest X-twitter

Get SUCCESS® Magazine PLUS 80+ Hours of Exclusive Training (& More!) to Multiply Your Earning Potential SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Save Up to 20% Before Oct. 2!

BOOKMARK Share

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Businessman staring out office window at dark

Everyone has a bad day here or there, but sometimes, there are larger periods when your co-workers need some extra support. Maybe they’ve had a big life event such as a death in the family, a new diagnosis, or a tragedy in their community. Perhaps they simply need a bit of extra grace for an ongoing health condition or while caregiving for a loved one.

With the amount of stress that the average worker is under these days, it’s never been more important to show your support for those around you, especially during the winter months when seasonal depression is at play. The key is knowing where to start and how to assist a co-worker who might be experiencing seasonal depression at work.

Winter isn’t just the darkest time of year because of the lack of sun—for many, it also means an increase in stress, depression, and anxiety. Holidays are busy and full of commitments. They can trigger feelings of grief as loved ones are missed at gatherings and increase loneliness for those physically or emotionally distant from friends and family.

The decreased hours of daylight have an impact, too. About 5% of U.S. adults experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression common in winter months. Chances are at least a few of your co-workers or subordinates might be feeling low in the winter.

According to Keisha Saunders-Waldron, therapist and owner of Confidential Confessions Counseling Services, there are a few telltale signs that your coworkers might be struggling:

An employee or coworker showing any one of these symptoms on occasion isn’t a cause for concern, but if these symptoms are ongoing or show up simultaneously, it may be time to reach out.

When approaching someone who seems to be having a rough time, Saunders-Waldron says that the “most important thing you can do is listen with empathy” and “create a space for honest dialogue.” Your goal should be to “seek to understand, not to be understood.”

Remember that you’re not a psychologist or therapist, so you can’t (and shouldn’t) try to diagnose anyone. Instead, Saunders-Waldron suggests approaching coworkers in a thoughtful, respectful way. Begin with “compassion and privacy” and “open a door without making assumptions.”

According to Saunders-Waldron, it’s best not to try and “fix” the situation. “Your role is to listen and offer support,” she says. “Be mindful that they may not be ready to discuss their feelings, and that’s OK. Let them know they have your support whenever they feel comfortable.”

It can be tricky to know where to start with a topic like mental health support, but Saunders-Waldron suggests a few statements to try:

“When offering support, it’s essential to convey understanding without sympathy,” she says. You don’t want to come off as pitying or condescending. Even if you’ve experienced a similar period in your life, avoid suggesting that you know what they’re going through because chances are, you don’t. Every person experiences illness, grief, and other darker periods differently and may need different types of support.

For some people, talking it through may be enough. However, for most, helping where you can as a co-worker or manager can make a big difference in the person’s stress level as they manage their own personal challenges alongside work. The best way to find out what they need is a simple one—just ask them.

Sometimes when a person is struggling with seasonal depression, it can be hard for them to come up with ways to help, so it’s a good idea to come ready with suggestions in case they don’t know where to start. Below are a few from Saunders-Waldron, as well as ones that worked for me and my team at a former place of employment.

Photo credit: Aslysun/Shutterstock.com

Anna Wenner is a writer who is just trying to live a life that will make her dog proud.

5473 Blair Road, Suite 100
PMB 30053
Dallas, TX 75231

Save Up to 20% Before Oct. 2!

Unlock the Latest Knowledge that Can You Help You Achieve More in Life with More Confidence

Print and Digital Options Available

Oops!

You’ve reached your limit of free
articles for this month!

(plus get access to hundreds of resources designed
to help you excel in life and business)

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive an email message to log in.

No, thanks, I’m not interested in personal growth.

Plus, get access to daily inspiration, weekly newsletters and podcasts, and occasional updates from us.

By signing up you are also added to SUCCESS® emails. You can easily unsubscribe at anytime. By clicking above, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive an email message to log in.

Get unlimited access to SUCCESS®
(+ a bunch of extras)! Learn more.

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive an email message to log in.

The exclusive article you’re trying to view is for subscribers only.

(plus get access to hundreds of resources designed
to help you excel in life and business)

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive an email message to log in.

https://www.success.com/seasonal-depression-at-work/