Mental Health Awareness Month Spotlights Growing Problems
By Christine Kern, contributing writer
Prevention and treatment needs to become more mainstream.
One if five Americans lives with a mental disorder with depression topping the list of health-related productivity costs in the workplace, responsible for more than $51 billion in office absenteeism. In short, wellness at work should be a top priority for employers.
One positive sign for those who deal with mental health issues is that negative attitudes and stigmas associated with mental health are lifting, and now there is growing acceptance and support for people who suffer from such conditions.
In his proclamation establishing Mental Health Awareness Month 2016, President Barrack Obama said, “During National Mental Health Awareness Month, we recognize those Americans who live with mental illness and substance use disorders, and we pledge solidarity with their families who need our support as well. Let us strive to ensure people living with mental health conditions know that they are not alone, that hope exists, and that the possibility of healing and thriving is real. Together, we can help everyone get the support they need to recover as they continue along the journey to get well.”
As the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention notes one in five Americans will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime with many feeling suicidal experiencing a treatable mental health condition. The group further notes most survivors of attempted suicide go on to lead happy, healthy lives with prevention and treatment key to positive health outcomes.
The MHA is also promoting free screenings at mhascreening.org that will help determine whether individuals demonstrate signs or symptoms of mental illness. MHA also has a toolkit available for organizations that includes media materials, infographic fact sheets, downloadable worksheets, banner images for the web, goodies for social media including sample posts and images, and 31 Mental Health Tips.
According to CEO Dennis Miller, maintaining a mentally healthy workplace is essential for the success of any company. “The last thing you want to do is alienate or punish your employees who may be suffering from mental health issues,” explained Miller, who has battled anxiety and depression throughout his life. “Instead, employers need to address mental health in a way that makes their workplace comfortable. It’s good for them, and it’s good for your bottom line.”