Depression in the Workplace: The Silent Battle (Part-1)
In the bustling corridors of the professional world, where deadlines loom and expectations soar, a silent battle often unfolds within the hearts and minds of employees dealing with depression. This silent struggle is not characterized by outwardly visible wounds or obvious signs but is instead a deeply internal and often concealed journey that shapes the very fabric of an individual’s daily existence.
Depression, by its nature, is elusive, its impact woven into the very fibers of one’s being. In the workplace, where the emphasis often lies on productivity and professionalism, the silent battle becomes even more pronounced. The facade of normalcy maintained by those grappling with depression can be both a coping mechanism and a barrier to seeking the understanding and support they desperately need.
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Author
Tina Balachandran
Tina is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 18 years of experience across clinical, aviation, and organisational settings. As a Certified Complex Trauma Professional, she uses an integrative strength-based approach to work with adults dealing with trauma and consults with organisations following critical incidents. She also works with couples, helping them learn how to replace negative conflict patterns with positive interactions, repair past hurts, and begin creating a shared meaning and purpose in their relationship.
The silence is not born out of a desire to conceal weakness but rather from the fear of being misunderstood, judged, or stigmatized. Individuals wrestling with depression often find themselves caught in a delicate balancing act—projecting an image of competence while internally grappling with a myriad of emotional complexities. The fear of being perceived as incapable or unreliable can be paralyzing, leading many to navigate their struggles silently, behind a carefully constructed mask.
In the workplace, the silent battle manifests in various ways. On the surface, an employee might appear engaged, competent, and even successful, yet beneath this veneer, a complex internal struggle unfolds. The relentless inner dialogue, the emotional exhaustion, and the effort required to maintain a semblance of normalcy can create an additional layer of stress, exacerbating the impact of depression on an individual’s mental health.
Moreover, the workplace culture itself can inadvertently contribute to the silence surrounding mental health challenges. In environments where discussions about mental well-being are scarce, and the prevailing narrative is one of resilience and unwavering strength, those wrestling with depression may feel compelled to keep their struggles hidden. The stigma attached to mental health conditions can cast a long shadow, further isolating individuals who are already contending with a profound sense of loneliness.
The silent battle is not solely about the absence of verbal expression; it extends to the isolation and solitude experienced by those navigating the depths of depression. Colleagues may be unaware of the daily internal strife faced by their peers, and supervisors may inadvertently overlook signs of distress. The workplace becomes a theater where individuals act out the roles expected of them while concealing the emotional turbulence within.
This silence is not a choice but often a response to an environment that may not yet be fully equipped to embrace and understand the complexities of mental health. It highlights the urgent need for workplaces to transform into spaces where the silent battle can be acknowledged, and where individuals feel empowered to share their struggles without fear of judgment.
Creating a workplace culture that encourages open conversations about mental health is a crucial step in breaking the silence. It involves fostering an environment where vulnerability is viewed as a strength, not a weakness, and where individuals can express their needs without fear of repercussions. The silent battle can only truly be dismantled when workplaces become havens of compassion, understanding, and active support for those dealing with depression.
The silent battle is a poignant reality for many individuals navigating depression in the workplace. Acknowledging its existence is the first step towards creating a workplace culture that recognizes and responds to the silent struggles of its employees. By fostering an atmosphere of understanding and providing avenues for open dialogue, we can collectively work towards transforming the workplace into a space where the silent battle can be replaced by a chorus of support, empathy, and resilience.
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Author
Tina Balachandran
Tina is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 18 years of experience across clinical, aviation, and organisational settings. As a Certified Complex Trauma Professional, she uses an integrative strength-based approach to work with adults dealing with trauma and consults with organisations following critical incidents. She also works with couples, helping them learn how to replace negative conflict patterns with positive interactions, repair past hurts, and begin creating a shared meaning and purpose in their relationship.
Bhavna is an embodiment of expression in Hindi, and what better way to convey her feelings than through the art of dance and movement. From the tender age of 5, she has dedicated her life to learning, practicing, and performing various dance forms from around the world. Dance has been her refuge, helping her navigate through pain, hurt, and worries, ultimately leading her to the path of sharing this wisdom through rhythm and movement therapy. With over 22 years of teaching experience, Bhavna has transformed numerous students, spanning kids, adults, and children with autism, using movement as a medium for both enjoyment and meditation. She firmly believes that movement serves as a non-verbal language that connects body, mind, and soul, enabling individuals to express their inner selves. As a Visharad in Indian classical dance and holding certifications in yoga, Pilates, fitness, and a diploma in special needs education, Bhavna is well-equipped to guide others on their transformative journey through dance and movement.
In her professional capacity as the Director at the Child Development Center (CDC) for Special Needs, Kamila’s role involves supervising the provision of multi-disciplinary therapy services for children with autism and related developmental disorders. Kamila strongly believes in the provision of trauma-informed, empathetic, and child- and parent-centered therapy, which includes approaches such as music therapy, play-based ABA therapy, speech therapy, feeding therapy and occupational therapy. Kamila is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), who holds a Masters degree in Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, and is currently completing her doctorate in Education with a special focus on mental health and wellbeing of mothers of children with autism. At CDC, Kamila has incorporated approaches such as mindfulness and music therapy for reducing anxiety, stress, and enhancing emotional regulation and overall mental wellbeing among children and parents of children with autism disabilities and therapists.
A pioneer and coach, she is the founder of the be.fit180o team and the QAthletics Academy. She is the first Qatari coach targeting age groups from 4 to 14 years old for running and jumping since 2019. She holds a diploma in sports club and sports institution management and is a Level 3 running and fitness coach.
Iain Tulley spent 35 years in UK Healthcare, 15 years as Chief Executive.
Moses is a Physical Literacy and Physical Activity Champion, with vast experience, of over 18 years in youth empowerment, community development, project planning, project implementation, networking, resource mobilization, and working at different levels from grassroots, national, and international levels. He has extensive experience working with diverse groups of individuals in both local and global capacities.
Amna AlMuhannadi is a certified Ayurvedic lifestyle instructor and a psychological and social counselor with over a decade of experience in the field of health and wellness. She is recognized as an influencer in promoting healthy living and wellness tourism.
Dr. Mohammed Jaham Al-Kuwari boasts a remarkable career as both a General and bariatric Surgeon and a prominent figure in the world of sports administration.
Dr. Ghuloum is a Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at Hamad Medical Corporation, Professor at Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, and an Associate Professor of clinical psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, Qatar.
Joanna, a wife and mom of three boys, spent over a decade calling Qatar home. Transitioning from the corporate world, she recently embarked on a new journey, becoming a business owner specializing in digital marketing. Beyond her professional pursuits, Joanna is a passionate advocate for mental health, emphasizing the significance of work-life balance and prioritizing self-care for mothers, readily sharing her experiences through her blog, “Mama in Transit”.
Shefa, with over 15 years of corporate experience, is a leading figure in coaching and motivation in Qatar. Her background in corporate communications and her roles as a Life & Business Coach, Motivational Speaker, and Wellness Advocate have made her a sought-after expert. She divides her time between consulting, coaching, workshops, and delivering keynotes for various organizations. Shefa is also a prolific writer and editor, contributing to publications like The Conversation by Amanda de Cadenet and a weekly column in Gulf Times, a prominent newspaper in Qatar. Her diverse client base includes organizations across multiple industries.
Dr. Nelli El-Ghazal holds a Ph.D. in School Psychology from the Pennsylvania State University and serves as a Child and Adolescent Psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry, with an instructional role at Weill Cornell Medical College. Her extensive background encompasses experience in the U.S. school system and private practice. Since joining Sidra in 2017, her clinical focus has revolved around addressing school-related emotional and behavioral challenges, as well as devising solutions for diverse learning and psychological needs. Dr. El-Ghazal actively collaborates with local schools to establish mental health support programs and frequently conducts training for parents, students, and faculty at educational institutions. She has also contributed as a guest lecturer at HMC and the Doha Institute of Graduate Studies, and she holds an associate editor position with an international school psychology journal.
French adventurer and endurance athlete, living in Doha for the past 15 years.
Former Qatar athletic and Coach.