Depression is a significant mental health issue in the United States, and it’s increasingly impacting the workplace. A landmark 2003 study reveals that depression costs employers $44 billion annually in lost productivity. This figure only reflects indirect costs and doesn’t account for medical expenses.
Most of the $44 billion loss stems not from absenteeism but from “presenteeism,” where employees with depression show up for work but fail to function at full capacity. This may include missed deadlines, poor-quality work, inability to make decisions, lateness, or withdrawing from social interactions at the workplace.
One face of depression is Mary Jo West, a broadcast journalist who became the first female TV anchor in Phoenix in 1976. She was widely recognized and received numerous accolades. However, the pressures of breaking barriers in her field, combined with her perfectionist tendencies, led her to struggle with depression.
Her experience highlights a broader issue. Depression affects 5 million American working women—21 percent of women in the workforce.
West’s career took off early, working for KOOL Television in Phoenix. In 1976, she became the station’s first female anchor. She faced hostility from her co-anchor, who resented sharing the spotlight with her. Despite this, West’s groundbreaking work earned her local fame and respect. She tackled tough subjects like rape, incest, and domestic violence, making significant strides in television journalism.
But the stress began to take a toll. During the 1980 Democratic National Convention, West was overworked, covering multiple stations with reports across different time zones. The resulting sleep deprivation triggered a manic episode, during which her personal and professional life unraveled. She left her husband, lived in a hotel, and experienced erratic behavior. While working three newscasts a day, she struggled to manage her mania, which affected her work and relationships.
Despite her success, depression made her feel isolated. Thirty percent of working women suffering from depression either quit or lose their job because of the symptoms. West’s mental health began to spiral, and she found herself unable to perform at work. She could no longer write her pieces or meet deadlines. Despite the stigma, she couldn’t bring herself to admit to her boss that she was mentally ill.
Her struggle with depression continued, even as she sought treatment from various psychiatrists. In March 1981, after feeling unable to continue pretending to be healthy, she checked herself into Camelback Hospital for two weeks of shock therapy. Remarkably, her station supported her through this difficult time, a rarity in the industry. West returned to work two weeks later, though she wasn’t fully recovered until 1982.
A year and a half later, she was hired by CBS Network News, but the depression worsened as she worked late-night shifts in New York. Despite outward success, her inner turmoil continued, leading her to leave CBS and return to Phoenix.
After a failed stint with another local station, West faced more personal and professional challenges. She struggled with her mental health, even as she continued to succeed in her job. Despite the external accomplishments, she was suffering internally. In 1992, after another difficult period, she admitted her illness to her boss and sought treatment again. This time, a new psychiatrist prescribed Prozac, which gave her the relief she needed.
West’s story is just one example of how depression impacts working women. Forty percent of women with depressive symptoms remain undiagnosed, and many fear the stigma of seeking help. Depression is often misunderstood, and many women feel compelled to hide their struggles to maintain their careers.
West’s battle with depression began long before her television career, during her freshman year at college. At Florida State University, she was active socially and academically, but she experienced periods of paralyzing sadness. She didn’t understand what was happening at the time, but eventually, she realized she was dealing with a brain disorder, not just a phase.
Women in the workplace often view depression as the greatest barrier to success—more than sexism, childcare responsibilities, or the glass ceiling. The pressure to perform, to meet high standards, and to look perfect in front of the camera, combined with internal struggles, can be overwhelming.
Despite these challenges, West’s resilience and ability to push through her illness is a testament to her strength. Yet, the costs of depression, both personal and professional, remain high for many workers across the country.
Related topics:
