Mental Health in the Workplace
Greetings, Trauma Community,
I have found that the best way to spark a conversation is through shared lived experiences. As many people with mental illness face unique challenges, I think we can all relate to experiencing certain mental health climates in our vocation. While corporate mindfulness has improved in recent years through wellness-based activities, many employees still report facing obstacles to meaningful intervention. Likewise, location matters. In the U.S., for example, the work-grind culture is fully embraced even though evidence shows the importance of a healthy work-life balance.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers some insight,
- Nearly 1 in 5 US adults aged 18 or older (18.3% or 44.7 million people) reported mental illness in 2016.
- In addition, 71% of adults reported at least one symptom of stress, such as a headache or feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
- The costs for treating people with both mental health disorders and other physical conditions are 2 to 3 times higher than for those without co-occurring illnesses.
- By combining medical and behavioral health care services, the United States could save $37.6 billion to $67.8 billion a year.
- Depression interferes with a person’s ability to complete physical job tasks about 20% of the time and reduces cognitive performance about 35% of the time.
- Only 57% of employees who report moderate depression and 40% of those who report severe depression receive treatment to control depression symptoms.
- Even after taking other health risks—like smoking and obesity—into account, employees at high risk of depression had the highest health care costs during the 3 years after an initial health risk assessment.
I have had both positive and negative experiences in this regard. In my current role, I don't always feel supported, and our communication structure is abysmal, however, I do know there are a few good apples that I can approach with the truth and be accommodated.
Please use the space below to address the following talking points:
Have you faced mental health discrimination in the workplace? Share your experience.
Have you experienced mental health acceptance in the workplace? Share your experience.
What is the most challenging aspect of earning a living wage with mental illness in your opinion?
What kind of initiatives would you like to see companies roll out to address these issues?
I look forward to diving deeper into this topic. We all deserve to feel happy, safe, seen, and heard in our workplace regardless of tenure.
Thank you for sharing! ❤️
@blitheSun94
Yes! Mental health in the workplace is an important conversation to spark. I am lucky enough that in my current job, there is an acceptance and understanding towards mental health. It's unfortunate that not all workplaces are the same. I think that more jobs should be more understanding and forgiving for mental health day offs. It's unfortunate that sometimes people have to come up with other excuses to get the day off or just not get a mental health break at all. Thanks for sparking this conversation!💜
@innateJoy9602
Thank you for your input, innate! I agree with your words. I would love to see mental health days doled out the same way sick days and vacation days are accrued. Wouldn't that be something? ❤️
@blitheSun94 I work in the education field, and although a lot of lip-service is paid to teachers finding work-life balance and health and wellness programs exist, the truth is it ios a do-it-yourself mindset and real school community support is almost non-existant. The expectations, mandates, observations, and daily exposure to the trauma in children and families can really be over-whelming, but we are expected to be strong and above all, professional. There is really no site-based support systems, and you have to be very careful who you confide in, as not all colleagues are allies. I think each school should have a mental-health safe space. Just venting at meetings and talking to your classroom neighbor is not enough. Teaching is one of the most stressful vocations around, and we are relied upon by so many people, but are always under the microscope. It would be nice to have a space to speak freely and to receive real support.
@Whereismymind65
Outstanding response, Where! As a parent it's so easy to forget what our teachers endure every day. I honestly don't know how they do it. It goes without saying that teachers are easily the most important over-worked and underpaid employment population out there. I am flatly embarrassed and concerned about the grinding culture in my neck of the woods, never mind the violence problem. Shaping young minds is a difficult task even when things are in their best alignment. With so much uncertainly asking for mental health PTO seems reasonable, recommended even. ❤️
@blitheSun94 Yeah, I always joke that I am going to "take a mental health day" but it really isn't a joke: I need one, maybe two! Waiting for holidays and breaks seems like a lifetime. Finding a reliable sub that can follow plans in nearly impossible these days. And i cannot afford to take extended leave. I just keep on slogging through, hoping for a break in the stress and expectations heaped on me and others like me daily!
Please take that mental health day or two! Your classroom can wait and it will help you be the best you you can be for your kiddos!
I think we’re all so quick to come up with a list of reasons why not, but let’s consider the cost benefit of taking a mental health day versus not. Another common phenomenon is being eaten alive by the guilt of taking a day off to the extent that we can’t even enjoy it when it does happen. Many people report such high anxiety that they’d rather just go to work.
I hope a pathway is cleared for you to get some self care in. Please don’t be afraid to put yourself first. 💕
I think we need a space for educators. Teachers ( and nurses) face the most challenging aspects in society. And teachers and nurses are the most bullied ( I can’t find where I read it) but for the well being of society, teachers and nurses need pastoral care. After all, we are looking after societies most vulnerable.
I love the sound of that! I agree, and will create a forum thread soon. 💕