CiC URGES ORGANISATIONS: ¡¥DON¡¦T SUFFER IN SILENCE¡¦

CiC (www.cic-eap.co.uk) one of the UK¡¦s leading Employee Assistance Programme Providers is sending their clients a fact sheet this month highlighting Depression Awareness Week (16th ¡V 22nd April 2007), with the key message ¡¥Don¡¦t Suffer in Silence.¡¦ Despite the fact that depression and anxiety are the most common mental disorders in the UK, they are among the most misunderstood. CiC¡¦s fact sheet focuses on what depression is, the symptoms, the implications of the debilitating illness and practical tips on how to overcome it.

The word 'depression' is often used to describe everyday feelings of low mood which can affect us all from time to time. These feelings usually pass. However, if an individual is affected by depression these feelings do not go away. Intense feelings of persistent sadness, helplessness and hopelessness accompany many physical effects.

Recent research reveals very disturbing statistics:

„X One in six of us will at some point be diagnosed with either depression or chronic anxiety
„X Between eight and twelve percent of the population experience depression in any year
„X Only one in four sufferers ever receive treatment
„X One in three families are affected

¡§I remember waking up one morning and thinking to myself ¡¥I just can¡¦t do it, I can¡¦t go to work.¡¦ I didn¡¦t feel particularly unwell physically; I couldn¡¦t even identify that I was particularly worried about. I just couldn¡¦t face it. I tried telling myself to pull myself together but it didn¡¦t work. I just couldn¡¦t get up.¡¨

Many people do not even recognise that they may be suffering from depression. Even if they do it is even more likely that they are unsure as to what to do about it, especially in a work environment. No-one would choose to tell their boss they were having problems at work because they were depressed. Immediately feelings of failure come to the surface, being unable to cope. There is also a lack of awareness surrounding depression leading to strong stigma within society.

However, depression can have the most debilitating effect on people¡¦s lives and at its most severe can be life threatening. Work environments can be particularly damaging given that employees endeavour to looking strong and in control in the workplace. Appearing weak in a corporate environment in not something many employees will risk. As such, CiC are stressing the importance for employers, in particular, to understand the illness so that they are able to react to and support an employee who is suffering from depression. Employers must be aware of the symptoms. Often those who suffer from depression display a lack of sleep, or frequently fail to turn up for work. An inability to concentrate or remember things, a loss of interest in matters or a loss of enthusiasm in life are all indications that there is an underlying root problem.

The vast majority of people seeking treatment for depression find a significant improvement and early intervention is key to an individual¡¦s quick recovery. CiC are offering employers ten practical tips within the fact sheet on ways to help combat depression. Key points include acceptance and talking to people. For an individual to accept that he / she has depression is vital to recovery and leads the way in finding solutions. Talking is also an important part of recovery. Whether it is to friends or colleagues, or having access to a confidential helpline with trained counsellors, such as CiC provides, talking through feelings and emotions allows an individual to build a trusted support network around them.

Last year, more than ten million working days were lost through stress, depression and anxiety. With statistics such as these, it highlights just how prevalent the illness is and that steps need to be taken to lift the stigma and open society¡¦s eyes to the chronic condition.


For further information contact Beccy Whittles at MAX PR & Events Ltd,
020 8334 5749 / beccy@maxpr-events.com

Kate Nowlan, CEO, CiC available for interview