Capacity to work while depressed and anxious – a phenomenological study

Abstract

A complex and comprehensive concept emerged, not earlier described in work capacity studies. Rehabilitation processes would benefit from deeper knowledge of the individual's capacity to work in order to make efficient adjustments at work. Results can have particular relevance both in clinical and occupational health practice, as well as in the workplaces, in supporting re-entering workers after sickness absence. Implications for Rehabilitation The reduced capacity to work due to depression and anxiety is not always understandable or observable for others, therefore, the rehabilitation process would benefit from increased knowledge and understanding of the difficulties afflicted individuals experience at work. Identifying tasks that contribute to "refueling" at work might enhance the success of the rehabilitation. Rehabilitation programs could be tailored to better address the inabilities that impact on the capacity to work when depressed and anxious.

Employers’ views of the impact of mental health problems on the ability to work

“…This adaptation is in line with the expressed experience of diminished self-confidence and reduced cognitive abilities from people with MHP [40].…”

“…The feeling of frustration may be a consequence of the intangible, non-verbal expression. The evocation of frustrated feelings has also been reported by Bertilsson et al [40] from the perspective of employees with MHP who perceived that their reduced ability to work has an impact on the workplace and on work-mates' work situation [40]. This might indicate awareness among employees with MHP of the frustration that can arise among employers and work-mates.…”

“…As many as 70 % of all people globally who have MHP do not receive health care [41], which indicates that many people take part in working life while struggling with their MHP alone. Many employees are still reluctant to disclose their MHP in working life [27,40,42].…”

“…However, there are also experiences of disclosing MHP as an important strategy to get support [40]. In this study, MHP were either known about in advance or revealed to the informants.…”

Neuroadaptations of the 5-HT System Induced by Antidepressant Treatments: Old and New Strategies

“…death of a close person) [9], humiliation (especially partner-initiated separation) [9], concomitant pathologies such as traumatic injuries [10] and cancer [11], and other stress sources. Significant socioeconomic consequences of MDD have been noted in the form of substantial loss in life quality [12], absenteeism and poor work performance [13][14][15], higher pharmaceutical costs [16], higher suicide risks and mortality [17][18].…”