beyondblue: Managing depression in the workplace

More than one million people in Australia experience depression, anxiety or related substance-use disorders each year. With depression affecting one in five people at some point in their lifetime, these figures have a significant impact on Australian workplaces. We know from our experience with injured workers that employees who suffer from a workplace injury have a higher tendency to be diagnosed with psychological issues such as depression and anxiety, which can have a significant impact on individuals, their families, the workplace and organisations as a whole. The 'beyondblue: Managing depression in the workplace' sessions will allow you to gain a better understanding of the area of mental health that will enable you to better assist injured workers in this position.

Two different workshops will be offered:

Workshop 1: Managing the most common mental health problems in the workplace

• A workshop designed for managers, supervisors and team leaders
• Awareness on the most common mental health problems which occur in the workplace
• Impact of depression, anxiety and related substance use in the workplace for individuals, the workplace environment and the organisation as a whole
• Principles and planning required to approach and assist an employee with depression or anxiety
• Responsibilities to staff and the organisation as they relate to these issues

Workshop 2: Tackling complexities and identifying solutions

• A workshop designed for rehabilitation and return to work coordinators, HR and OHS staff
• Awareness about depression and anxiety disorders
• Understanding the relationship between mental health and the workplace
• Skills to advise managers on addressing mental health issues with their staff
• Key principles to consider when managing a worker with a known diagnosis of depression or anxiety
• Strategies to address mental health issues at an organisational level from perspectives including prevention, awareness and early intervention

Workshop schedule

We are currently finalising the schedule for workshops to be held from July 2010 to June 2011. If you are interested in attending future workshops, please email events@workcover.com or call us on 8233 2109. For more information on beyondblue, please visit www.beyondblue.org.au.