Want to beat depression? Return to work instead of staying at home, for a study has revealed that going back to office can actually help people recover from the common mental health problem.
Researchers have found that returning to work not only re-establishes people’s self-worth but it also gives them a routine and structure around which to lead their lives, only their employers need to be sensitive to their problem.
Their findings are based on an analysis of 555 people who had been signed off work for more than 12 weeks because of depression, The Daily Telegraph reported.
After 13 weeks off, 169 had returned to work part-time and 51 went back full-time. After 20 weeks, 75 had gone back part-time and 256 were working full-time, the study by Society of Occupational Medicine revealed.
According to Dr Gordon Parker, the President of the Society of Occupational Medicine, “A return to employment significantly promoted recovery. Importantly it's the approach and flexibility of their employers that proved vital.
“Better access to occupational health services and psychological support are essential if employees with anxiety and depression are to get back to work quickly. “Employers are often frightened of contacting an employee whose sick note says ‘depression’ for fear of being accused of harassment, but sympathetic contact with the employee and early help through occupational health can identify the most support.”
{{/usCountry}}“Better access to occupational health services and psychological support are essential if employees with anxiety and depression are to get back to work quickly. “Employers are often frightened of contacting an employee whose sick note says ‘depression’ for fear of being accused of harassment, but sympathetic contact with the employee and early help through occupational health can identify the most support.”
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