One of the most undertreated and misunderstood mental illnesses in the workplace is depression. The mood disorder is more than a passing feeling and is a major—but treatable—illness. Depression affects all walks of life and even a formerly outstanding employee can be affected. No job title, organization, or personality type is immune.
It is likely that you, and every employee in your place of work, know someone who has struggled with depression, anxiety, alcohol or maybe even an eating disorder. In fact, it is estimated that about one-third of those with a mental illness are employed. Nearly a quarter of the U.S. workforce (28 million workers ages 18-54) will experience a mental or substance abuse disorder, according to the National Institute on Mental Illness.
How can employers address this issue? Early intervention and prevention programs can be fundamental in preventing progress toward a full-blown disease, controlling symptoms of mental illness and improving outcomes. Anonymous online screenings are an effective way to reach employees who underestimate the effects of their own condition and are unaware of helpful resources. A screening program can also work well for small organizations that lack official employee assistance program (EAP) services. Quality mental health programs for employees can reduce stigma, raise awareness, teach managers how to recognize symptoms and help organizations deal with depression and effectively and compassionately manage employees.
How should employers address mental health in the workplace? Framing prevention efforts in light of nationally recognized days is a great starting point. Oct. 9 is National Depression Screening Day (NDSD), which is a day to promote education and awareness of common mental health disorders. This year, NDSD will focus on viewing and treating mental health with the same gravity as physical health. Your organization may provide free blood pressure screenings, or encourage weight-loss support groups. Treating mental health with the same importance as physical health reinforces that your workplace is one devoted to overall health of your employees.
Encouraging a Mentally Healthy Workplace
In addition to highlighting nationally recognized days, the following are several areas to consider when making your workplace mental health-friendly.
- Employee wellness programs that incorporate mental health
- Manager training in mental health workplace issues
- Support for employees who seek mental health treatment or who require hospitalization and disability leave
- An EAP or other appropriate referral resource
- Health care that treats mental illness with the same urgency as physical illness
- Regular communication to employees regarding equal opportunity employment, wellness and similar topics promoting an accepting work environment
