Depression is far more pervasive in the American workforce than many of us realize. It is more easily recognized today and is treatable with the right help. However, when judging someone's behavior in the workplace, discretion is advisable.

Classic symptoms are sadness, feeling overwhelmed, distraction, feelings of hopeless and helplessness and despair. Those are classic, but they're not the only symptoms. Sometimes the depression is expressed in hostility, anger and an explosive temper. If you know your coworker well, you'll be able to determine if his actions are out of character with his usual temperament. Chances are, you're not the only one who has noticed the change in personality.

Depression is sometimes temporary, caused by loss such as the death of a loved one. In this situation, emotional support and warmth are appreciated by the coworker. Sometimes they will share their pain, but often coworkers will hold it in, perhaps waiting for an opportunity to process their grief in solitude.

It's not possible for a coworker to make a diagnosis, of course. A lay person wouldn't know if the depression is temporary or if it's clinical depression, unless our coworker chooses to share that information with us. In either situation, our support is a key component in helping our coworker get through the day.

If you observe that your coworker is having problems functioning at work, you should speak with your supervisor in private and in confidence about the situation. If you're the manager, you should speak with the employee and try to assess the situation from an empathetic stance. Direct the employee to the Human Resource department for more options.

Also follow up with Human Resources and let them know what that there may be a problem. Human Resources is the main resource available to people who are suffering from depression. Not many companies hire psychologists, but they have knowledge of resources that can help. If the company has an Employee Assistant Program, temporary help is only a phone call away.

Sometimes a short leave from work may be the best option. It is a delicate situation to handle, but the bottom line is that the coworker must want to get the help that is needed.

Our role as coworkers attempting to help, may seem small to us, but to a person who is depressed it may mean a lot more than you know.

Learn more about this author, Mona Gallagher.
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