Posted by IsoM on November 13, 2002, at 2:36:32
In reply to WHY discriminate? depression vs common cold, posted by bluedog on November 13, 2002, at 2:06:16
Sorry I can't offer any real encouragement but I can offer a bit of insight. Some of what I've learned is the view that depression in employees is a liability due to:
- more time is lost from depression than common infections like colds & time = money
- if there's a benefit package offered for med coverage, psychotropic meds are some of the most expensive, therefore greater money loss for the company (or union)
- stupid assumption that depressed employees may commit suicide - again loss for the company
- stupid assumption that depressed employees are less stable & no one knows if they're likely to go postal
- a depressed employee can't give the company their "all" & wouldn't work as hard as someone without depression would
- and finally, the old stigma of anybody with a mental disorder is still considered "crazy" even by employers who have had depression problems themselves. It's why so many are afraid to admit to ever having problems.
Mental disorders are still thought to be a sign of personality & character weakness. After all, they reason, it's nobody's fault if they pick up a virus. But if one's depressed, it must mean they have poor self-control, poor coping skills, & are too mentally lazy to pull themselves out of their "blue spells". They must be wallowing in it, hoping for sympathy.
Yes, many still think that way. It's one reason I WON'T hide the fact I've had problems with depression. I know it's a little silly but I consider it my duty to inform & educate as many as possible that depression has nothing to do with weakness. I'm very adamant in letting others know it but as gently as possible.
poster:IsoM
thread:32168
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20021106/msgs/32169.html