Mental Health Month: Woman says workplace depression led to her resignation
Dr Cebelihle Shongwe gave some insight into how to manage depression and what facilities are available and able to help.
October has been declared Mental Health Awareness Month, a month to raise awareness on mental health issues and to educate people about the available facilities for getting help.
An issue that is often overlooked is depression in the workplace. It’s an ordeal that one might be facing without even realising.
Nokuthula Zwane, who worked in corporate as an accountant, opened up on social media about her about her experience with this type of depression and how it eventually led to her resigning. Lowvelder approached her for an in-depth interview. She accepted and detailed her experience.
“I would describe it as an overwhelming sadness, because you spend the majority of your time at your workplace, and if you’re not happy, then it affects you badly. According to my experience, it can be caused by a toxic work environment, the lack of a healthy work/life balance or unhealthy pressure.”
She mentioned the dangers of not taking care of your mental health, saying it affects your productivity levels. “It led to me spiralling out of control, not performing as well as I usually did and being forgetful, and therefore missing deadlines. I struggled with insomnia because I was constantly thinking about work,” she said.
Dr Cebelihle Shongwe, a clinical psychologist at Rob Ferreira Hospital, revealed a healthy working environment improves your productivity levels. “There are many casual factors of depression, but just to name some: experiencing workplace harassment or discrimination. Other people become depressed if their work environments leave them overworked but underpaid.”
According to her, the symptoms include difficulty in concentration, remembering things and making informed decisions. Some employees complain of fatigue and loss of interest in their work. In extreme cases, workers have reported feelings of suicide.
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“When you become aware of these symptoms, it is advisable that you acknowledge that you need help. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group is a group that has a 24-hour online service. The public should also know that public hospitals and clinics offer services that cater to the mental health needs of the public,” said Shongwe.
