Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, October 16, 1994 TAG: 9410180010
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: F3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ANDY MILLER COX NEWS SERVICE
DATELINE: ATLANTA LENGTH: Medium
``We wanted no barriers to treatment,'' says Dr. Cris Bisgard, Delta's director of corporate medical programs. ``Depression is a very common illness, a very treatable illness.''
The airline's downsizing also helped prompt the switch. In such turbulent times, Bisgard says, Delta wants to be sensitive to such problems.
But depression isn't just a Delta problem. It's every employer's, experts say.
``You can expect 5 percent of a work force to be clinically depressed,'' Bisgard says.
And, like general medical illnesses, the sooner you address the problem, the better, experts say.
Overall, 15 million to 17 million Americans suffer from depression each year. But only about one in three seeks treatment, partly because of stigma, cost and lack of education or support.
Experts note, however, that more than 80 percent can be treated effectively with medication or psychotherapy or both.
Besides the devastation of individuals and families, the impact of depression on the workplace is profound. While depression costs society an estimated $44 billion a year, $24 billion of that is felt at the workplace, in lost work days and reduced productivity, according to the Washington Business Group on Health.
Depression leads to increased accidents, and relationships with co-workers can deteriorate, notes Ron Finch of Coopers & Lybrand, a consulting firm. Then, at home, there's damage to relationships with a spouse or children, and often substance abuse.
The depression of a spouse or child can also affect a worker.
``The more enlightened managers and leaders of corporations understand the relationship between work performance and the way a person feels,'' Finch says.
Many companies just now are recognizing the impact of depression, Delta's Bisgard says.
In August, Delta changed its mental health benefits to emphasize early treatment. The airline:
nInstalled a 24-hour, confidential hot line for employees and dependents to talk to a mental health professional.
nMade the first visit to an outpatient office free if the office belongs to a specific network of providers.
nRaised the reimbursement for subsequent outpatient visits from 50 percent to 80 percent if the network is used.
In general, depression accounts for about 50 percent of a company's mental-health dollars, which are 10 percent to 20 percent of its total health care expense, Bisgard says.
A healthy work force boosts competitiveness, Bisgard says.
``It's so important to elevate the awareness of mental health as an important strategic consideration for any business,'' he says. ``The company that stigmatizes and ignores mental illness will be at a competitive disadvantage.''
by CNB