3 Warning Signs Your Co-workers are Depressed as We Work Remotely
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As we move towards the anniversary of the beginnings of the Covid-19 pandemic those working remotely realize we are in it for the long haul. We have given up any hope that the virus is a short-term consideration. Even with the vaccines being widely, if slowly, being distributed we know it is going to take most of this year until all in need have access and the pandemic subsides. Right now, it feels like this will never end. Having this long path ahead lends itself to depression.
Now is a good time to access those around us and those we work with remotely specially to see if they are depressed.
Here are three warming signs of depression:
Appearance: You notice that your co-worker’s personal appearance is not being tended to. Sure, as we are working from home, we have a different standard of dress and grooming. But if you see, over time, that your co-worker is not putting some level of effort in how they present themselves on camera if may be a sign of depression. With depression comes a low level of energy for anything beyond what absolutely needs to be done. And when they lack any effort into their appearance that can be a sign. This is not about vanity or being polished. This is about someone who is not taking care of themselves. If you notice over time that they have put on a large amount of weight, (15 pounds or more) or have lost enough weight that you can see it those can be signs of depression.
Effort: If you notice that your co-worker is consistently late, or not turning in assignments that can be a sign of depression. It is that same lack of energy and focus that can be depression which prevents them from bring their best work forward. We all have bad days or struggles with work assignments but if it becomes a consistent pattern and one that you see repeating it is likely that they are unable to do the work because of depression.
Speech: This third one is harder to define but it is about looking at and listening to how your co-worker speaks. There can be a quality of how they talk about themselves, their work and possibly family that brings up some red flags about depression. For example, if they express no joy at their work or personal life that is a sign. If they are not looking forward to anything coming up and maybe refer to events in the past as the only places they felt good that says a lot.
Here is how you can help them:
If you have enough of a relationship with them then tell them what you are observing. Do not go into great amount of details but share with them that you see a decline in their efforts at work, etc. saying it not as a critique but out of concern. If you have dealt with depression or have your own struggles with COVID-19 it might be good to join with them and talk about that. After talking and they seem open you can suggest having the EAP (Employee Assistance Program) that most companies can provide a professional they can consult with. Noting that what they share is confidential and not information their higher ups have access to. Be the kind of presence that you wish to be approached with if you were having a hard time.
This unprecedented time will end and it will take us looking out for one another to make it through.
