May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that mental health issues are among our nation’s most pressing concerns. We often think about mental health in terms of our families and communities, but one of the best places for detecting and addressing mental health challenges is in the workplace. After all, we spend a substantial portion of our waking hours at work. In addition, most people receive health care coverage through their employer.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness says one in five U.S. adults experience some form of mental illness each year, but fewer than half of those people receive any treatment. To put that into perspective, consider how many people are on your worksite at any given time. If it’s 50, that means it’s likely at least 10 of them are experiencing mental illness now or will sometime this year. Some employers may be reluctant to discuss the topic, but it’s critical they do.
“When employee mental health challenges go untreated or are otherwise ignored, workplaces suffer,” said SMG Human Resources Manager Jessica Bowden, PHR, SHRM-CP. “These issues often result in increased absenteeism, significant declines in productivity and problems engaging with co-workers. When workers are dealing with their own challenges or situations outside the workplace, they aren’t focused on the tasks they’re performing at work. And that inattention can lead to serious injuries from unsafe practices.”
As employers develop a better understanding of both the nature and prevalence of mental health issues, they can help break through misconceptions and promote awareness about the importance of mental health and stress management.
“For example, suffering from anxiety or depression doesn’t mean a worker is weak or fundamentally flawed,” Bowden said. “These and many other mental health conditions are rooted in brain chemistry, so they’re largely medical conditions. If an employee had chronic breathing issues, an employer would want them to receive care. We need to think of mental health in the same way.”
Just as companies and organizations promote employee safety, employers must also be intentional about creating a culture of health, including making sure managers and supervisors are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of stress and depression in team members.
According to the Center for Workplace Mental Health, employees who are suffering from depression may display a variety of warning signs. The most common include:
- Feeling sad
- Loss of interest in activities and withdrawing from others
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Changes in appetite, overeating or not eating enough
- Fatigue
- Restless activity or slowed movements and speech
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Warning signs of anxiety are similar. Workers being affected by this common condition may exhibit symptoms such as:
- Excessive worry
- Feeling nervous, irritable or on edge
- A sense of impending danger, panic or doom
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing, sweating and/or trembling
- Feeling weak or tired
- Difficulty concentrating
Workplace health promotion programs are important, and action steps employers can take include offering mental health resources, such as mental health assessments, support networks and seminars or workshops to address mental health issues, as well as incentives to reinforce healthy behaviors.
“Employers who create a supportive, understanding environment can help workers overcome hurdles to pursuing treatment,” Bowden said. “If the company has an employee assistance program, that’s an excellent starting point. If not, explore the health plan to see options available in the community. And remember, helping employees doesn’t end when you make a referral to professionals. Checking in regularly can ensure the team member is following through and also reminds them you care about their well-being.”
