Mental Health in the Workplace

'The World Health Organization (WHO) reports:

• Approximately 740 million people are affected by mental health issues.

• 1 in 4 persons is likely to be diagnosed with a mental illness.

• There has been a 50 percent increase in the diagnosis of anxiety and depression from 1990 to 2013.

• Women are more inclined to report via survey that they struggle with mental illness; however, only 14 percent of those who suffer with emotional dysregulation feel comfortable discussing the issue with employers.

Although mental health issues are prevalent, very few preventative measures are being taken to enhance mental stability by employers.

AN OUT-OF-THE-BOX APPROACH is important in the workplace to address the increase of loss of productivity due to mental illness.

Suggestions to prevent and address mental health issues in the workplace: — Openly talking about mental illness can create an environment where employees no longer fear consequence or termination for disclosing diagnosis.

— Inviting mental health providers to staff meetings to offer education and resources increases the likelihood of employees accessing services before symptoms are out of control.

— Creating break rooms that embody the resemblance to greenspace, with comfy seating and waterfalls, allows the lunch break to be revitalizing.

— Make allowances for return programs for those battling mental illness as they would someone facing a physical illness.

— Add mental health days to the benefits package.

— Partner with a mental health professional to host office hours on site in which employees could do drop in therapy sessions.

— Partner with a mental health consultant to offer beneficial stress activities with the purpose of addressing intrapersonal issues among staff. If someone is experiencing psychological or emotional distress, how can they perform at maximum potential in their place of employment where they spend more than half of their awake hours? The truth is, they can’t. We can’t. Prevention is the key to healthy, positive work experiences and productivity.