When Work Hurts: Coping with Work-Related Depression, with Paul Bayliss

In this two-part episode, I am joined by Paul (Drew) Bayliss, an accomplished professional with a long and successful career, who shares his experience of job-related depression when he was working for a large public sector organisation in a high-pressure and demanding transformation role. 

Depression in the workplace is a common issue among professionals, often attributed to long hours, demanding targets, and volatile bosses.  Often, it is an organisation’s culture and leadership that creates toxic working environments where employees can develop symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, problems with memory loss, and lack of concentration which in turn can contribute to depression. Like Paul, sometimes it is difficult to accept that you are suffering from depression feelings of failure, and embarrassment, and that your career is over all exacerbate the situation. 

Paul discusses the importance of overcoming the stigma of mental ill health and how the role of friends, family, and therapy is critical to recovery and the provision of a positive support system. Unfortunately, surprisingly few men actively seek help acknowledging and tackling depression which can often lead to more severe consequences if left undiagnosed and unmanaged.