HR Should Lead the Conversation About Mental Health at Work - Workology

HR Should Lead the Conversation About Mental Health at Work - Workology The Mental Health Situation at Work A Germanwings jetliner crashed into the Alps last week. Speculation about the pilot’s mental health has dominated the news since. It’s much too early to reach a conclusion about the cause of the crash. But we are long overdue in talking openly about making mental health as important as physical health in our workplaces. HR is in the best position to lead that dialogue. The Mental Health Situation at Work Employers readily promote physical health care and wellness programs within their workplaces and employees generally seek care for physical illnesses. But the stigma associated with mental illness prevents employers from candidly discussing mental health and employees rarely reach out for treatment â€" fearing the consequences. The facts: Nearly one in five adults experience a diagnosable mental disorder â€" such as depression or anxiety â€" in any given year. And the prevalence of mental illness among those of working age may be nearly 25%. More workers are absent from work because of stress and anxiety than because of physical illness or injury. Mental illness short-term disability claims are growing by 10% annually and can account for 30% or more of corporate disability expense for a typical employer. But, Less than one-third of people receive treatment for mental illness. A Change in Direction is Launched Tragedies like last week’s plane crash in the Alps focus the public’s attention on important issues. In 2013, the tragic shootings at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut led the White House to organize a team of experts to investigate the state of mental health in America. As a result of the team’s findings, The Campaign to Change Direction was launched earlier this month by a coalition of businesses, non-profits, government, concerned citizens and many others. The campaign’s purpose is to help us see that our mental health is as important as our physical health. A first step is to educate the public about the signs of emotional suffering in ourselves and others, encourage compassion and medical attention. This is where Human Resources professionals can play a leading role. By learning to recognize the Five Signs of emotional distress, raising awareness within the workplace and encouraging employees to seek help when it is needed, HR can help eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness and improve mental health in the workplace. .ai-rotate {position: relative;} .ai-rotate-hidden {visibility: hidden;} .ai-rotate-hidden-2 {position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;} .ai-list-data, .ai-ip-data, .ai-fallback, .ai-list-block {visibility: hidden; position: absolute; width: 50%; height: 1px; z-index: -9999;} The Campaign to Change Direction website provides good information for changing the story about mental health. Learn The Five Signs of Emotional Distress Personality Change â€" You may observe a change in the way someone typically behaves. Agitation They seem uncharacteristically angry, anxious, agitated, or moody. Withdrawal They withdraw or isolate themselves from other people. Poor self-care They stop taking care of themselves and may engage in risky behavior. Hopelessness They seem overcome with hopelessness and overwhelmed by their circumstances. If you recognize emotional disorder in someone, encourage and assist them in seeking support. Sources: An Employer’s Guide to Behavioral Health Services, National Business Group on Health, December 2005. .ai-rotate {position: relative;} .ai-rotate-hidden {visibility: hidden;} .ai-rotate-hidden-2 {position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;} .ai-list-data, .ai-ip-data, .ai-fallback, .ai-list-block {visibility: hidden; position: absolute; width: 50%; height: 1px; z-index: -9999;} Marlowe JF: Depression’s Surprising Toll on Worker Productivity, Employee Benefits Journal, March 2002, pp. 16-20. Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, December 1999