Healthcare is something for which healthcare professionals often go wanting. It’s the real-life version of the fable of the barefooted children of the shoemaker.
Here are a few sobering general population statistics from various reputable sources:
* 21% of U.S. adults experienced a mental health condition in 2020;
* 5.6% of U.S. adults experienced a serious mental health condition in 2020, which is often defined as a psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder or a severe anxiety or eating disorder that significantly impairs functioning;
* In 2020, 32.1% of U.S. adults experienced both a mental health condition and substance abuse; and,
* As of 2020, suicide is the second leading cause of death for U.S. children ages 10 to 14, preceded only by unintentional injury.
U.S. Census Bureau data shows one-third of Americans showed signs of clinical anxiety or depression during the recent pandemic, the highest levels reported. According to Linda Fleming McGhee, J.D., Psy.D. of McGhee & Associates, Chevy Chase, Maryland, that’s the most definitive and alarming sign yet of the psychological toll exacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Healthcare workers are not just part of the general population. They’re on the front lines dealing with these issues and can easily fall victim to them. McGhee suggests 10 ways to support mental health and wellbeing at work:
* Mental Health First Aid/Programming
* Company Alignment with Call-In/Online Providers
* Expansive Support for Mental Health and Well Being
* Employing a Wellness Officer or corporate position in charge of mental health information
* Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
* Clear, Consistent and Transparent Communications About Mental Wellness
* No Reason Leave
* Menu of Benefits
* Innovative Approaches
* Customize According To Employee Demographics
Remember that there are metrics tied to mental health issues, according to McGhee. That includes data from various sources that shows $1 in treatment equates to $4 in improved productivity. “With approximately one in five adults likely to experience a mental illness each year according to the Center for Workplace Mental Health, the return on investment on mental health treatment is an advantage to all organizations,” said McGhee.
