Understanding Anxiety and Depression B2B Network Event May 14, 2014
What is Work Without Limits Work Without Limits: a statewide network of engaged employers and innovative, collaborative partners that aims to increase employment among individuals with disabilities Work Without Limits 20-Year Goal (set in 2012): Massachusetts is the first state in the nation where the employment rate of people with disabilities is equal to people without disabilities 2
Work Without Limits Staff, Consultants and Partners Can assist with: Training recruiters and hiring managers Raising awareness and shifting work culture toward disability inclusiveness Connecting to community partners and recruiting candidates Updating job descriptions Accommodation assessments and recommendations Ergonomic evaluations Assessing website accessibility 3
Agenda 9:00am-9:15am 9:15am-9:45am 9:45am-10:30am Welcome Julio Mantilla, Senior VP Human Resources, The TJX Companies, Inc. Keynote Speaker Dori Hutchinson, Director of Services, BU Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation Panel Discussion 10:30am-10:45am Closing Remarks 10:45am-12:30pm Career Fair and Networking 4
Welcome Julio Mantilla, Senior VP Human Resources, The TJX Companies, Inc. 5
Anxiety, Depression and the Importance of Work Work Without Limits Dori Hutchinson, Sc.D Boston University May 14, 2014
Work gives us purpose and meaning.
Practical Facts About Depression It is the most common psychiatric disorder. Depression occurs in every country, every culture, every racial group, every profession and at every income level. It impacts 15-20 % of people at some time in their lives. Depression is believed to be an imbalance of neurotransmitters in our brain. It can run in families. Major Stress and traumatic events can play a role in the onset. It often co-occurs with other physical health issues and substance abuse issues.
Depression It is described by people who live with depression as: Feeling hopeless, worthless, helpless Feeling guilty, sad, blue. The ultimate state of disconnection, isolated, painful.
What does Depression Look Like? Different for everyone but common behaviors include Eating too much, or too little. Sleeping too much or unable to sleep enough. Trouble concentrating and making decisions. Extreme sadness, exhaustion, lethargy. Troubling thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Change in self-care lack of selfcare. Frequent work absences, late assignments, interpersonal difficulties.
Work and Depression Depression can seriously interfere with one s work, but work plays a CRITICAL ROLE in helping people live well with and despite their depression. It is very treatable-there are many ways to successfully deal with depression including medications, therapy, exercise diet, sleep, acupuncture, mindfulness strategies, & peer support. Many people with depression work successfully and successfully manage their depression.
Practical Facts about Anxiety Also a common mental health disorder, Anxiety affects 18% of all adults. It does not discriminate at all, on any variable. It is considered a disorder that is a combination of changes in brain circuitry and environmental stress. Can run in families. People at all levels of work and careers experience anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders include panic disorders, Obsessive compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias and generalized anxiety. This challenge often occurs with other physical and mental health issues, including substance abuse.
Anxiety It is described by people as Intense crippling fear and dread Upsetting and traumatizing thoughts that overwhelm. Losing control, feel like they are dying. Emotional numbness Deep shame and humiliation. Heart pounding, nausea rapid breathing, stomach aches, hives, backaches, profuse sweating, headaches, skin picking, nailbiting, hair pulling.
What does Anxiety look like? Different for everyone. Ritualistic behaviors. Difficulty talking. Avoidance of people, places, activities at work at all costs. Nightmares and flashbacks Inability to sit still and restless movements. Excessive use of substances in attempt to calm and soothe. Quick to startle, easily irritated, on edge. Difficulty dealing with problems at work. Difficulty maintaining work relationships Difficulty setting and meeting deadlines. Difficulty participating and presenting at meetings.
Work and Anxiety Anxiety can interfere with successful work performance, but Work is important in helping people recover from their anxiety. It is highly treatable through medication, cognitive and behavioral strategies, and health strategies. People with anxiety disorders successfully work at all levels.
Tips and Strategies that Support Employees with Depression and Anxiety A work culture that supports good mental and physical health of everyone-communicated to all levels of employees. Use of both traditional and alternative health strategies to manage symptoms at work (ie. Medication and exercise) Flex time to allow for health appointments, wellness activities, later arrival times,etc. Assigning work tasks in written form and in smaller chunks to assist with memory and fear issues. Moving office space to quieter area to help with concentration and mindfulness. Using smart phones and technology to schedule wellness tasks and breaks. Regular communication and supervision to chart progress and modify supports as needed.
Discussion and Questions dorih@bu.edu http://cpr.bu.edu/reso urces/reasonableaccommodations
Panel Discussion 18
Thank you! Career Fair and Networking 19