So, what are the symptoms of Seasonal Affective?
and how to support employees with depression. Equip your business and its staff with resources and guidance on how to approach employees on topics related to mental health and discuss those issues in a non-judgemental manner. CREATE OPEN AWARENESS ABOUT SEASONAL DEPRESSION & ITS SYMPTOMS IN THE WORKPLACE WITH EVERYONE Talk about it in your team meetings and one-on- ones. Send out emails or internal communication that include helpful information and resources on how to identify and cope with seasonal depression. Provide literature on SAD, how it can impact a person’s mental health, and offer information on where employees can find support services or helplines.
Seasonal affective disorder impacts individuals’ mental health differently and it truly would be different for every person. However, that being said, there are some common signs that a person may be suffering from SAD.
They would include but not limited to the following:
• Persistent low mood. • Lack of energy or fatigue. • Difficulty concentrating. • Changes in sleep patterns.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (EAP)
If your business offers a benefits plan with an Employee Assistance Program that provides mental health resources, counselling, and support services. It’s important to communicate the availability of these services in your workplace so employees know how to access them when needed.
• Changes in appetite. • Weight gain or loss. • Social withdrawal How to support employees with Seasonal Affective Disorder?
WELLNESS WORKSHOPS & PROGRAMS
Implement wellness programs that focus on mental health. Alternatively, you can update existing programs to include mental health-related components. This could include virtual fitness classes, mindfulness sessions, workshops on stress management, or guest speakers and webinars that provide education on mental health topics.
Here are some strategies employers can use to help employees with SAD:
TRAINING FOR MANAGEMENT AT ALL LEVELS
Provide training for management at all levels on recognizing the signs of seasonal affective disorder and how to support employees with depression. Equip your business and its staff with resources and guidance on
SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 23 ISSUE 5 107
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