Workplace Depression and Anxiety: Why Talking About Mental Health Matters

What happens when your job contributes to your anxiety and depression? In this episode, former Unilever executive Jeff MacDonald shares his personal story of being diagnosed with anxiety-fueled depression, how he navigated the stigma in corporate culture, and why he decided to speak openly about his struggles.

Jeff discusses the challenges of returning to work while still in recovery, the risks many employees face when disclosing mental health concerns, and how stigma silences far too many. He also highlights how organizations benefit when they prioritize emotional well-being—not just physical safety—and why breaking stigma is both good for people and good for business.

If you’ve ever wondered how to talk about mental health at work, or how organizations can better support their employees, this episode is an honest, practical, and hopeful conversation about ending stigma and building workplaces where people can truly thrive.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Jeff MacDonald’s diagnosis with anxiety-fueled depression
• Why stigma keeps employees from talking about mental health at work
• Returning to work as part of recovery
• The role of leadership in shaping workplace culture
• Why organizations must invest beyond “wellness weeks”
• How breaking stigma improves employee engagement, loyalty, and retention
• Practical advice for having vulnerable workplace conversations
• The powerful role of love and hope in recovery

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and welcome
 00:56 - The pressure of masking depression at work
 01:37 - When the job itself contributes to mental health struggles
 02:13 - Jeff MacDonald’s story: high stress, misdiagnosis, and anxiety-fueled depression
 03:00 - Four months away from work and the recovery process
 03:23 - Returning to work gradually and finding purpose again
 04:13 - The liberation of receiving a diagnosis
 04:45 - How position and credibility helped Jeff speak openly
 05:41 - Why stigma keeps most employees silent
 06:28 - Advice: when to disclose and when to seek help outside work
 07:27 - Few organizations truly addressing stigma—less than 10%
 07:49 - How COVID changed workplace mental health conversations
 08:30 - The duty of care: why mental health matters as much as physical safety
 09:14 - Breaking stigma as good business: costs of presenteeism and turnover
 09:51 - Younger generations demanding workplaces that care
 10:39 - Beyond wellness weeks: real organizational responsibility
 11:40 - Why superficial wellness programs aren’t enough
 12:34 - Speaking the language executives understand: energy and performance
 13:33 - Overcoming fear of hard conversations about mental health
 14:06 - How to start a supportive workplace conversation
 15:22 - Jeff on love and hope as keys to recovery
 17:35 - Reflections on stigma, culture, and real change
 18:46 - Closing thoughts and encouragement

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