An executive guide to workplace depression

Executive Overview Whether coping with their own lives or managing the lives of others, executives face the reality of major depression. Unfortunately, mental illness generally, and depression specifically, are not as well understood as physical disabilities. The general public continues to hold prejudices and misconceptions regarding the cause and treatment of depression. In this article we summarize relevant literature addressing these prejudices and misconceptions and analyze the major issues managers should consider when dealing with depressed employees. We offer four prescriptions for balancing the conflicting demands imposed by the law with concern for the employee, the safety of others, and shareholder value.