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Mental Health Month - May 2024

Every year in America, 1 in 5 adults experiences some form of mental illness, 1 in 20 experiences a serious mental illness and 17 million experience a substance use disorder and mental illness. Despite the prevalence of mental health conditions, there’s still a stigma around discussing mental health and its treatment, especially at work – but there shouldn’t be.

Mental health is health – period. The more openly we can discuss it, without judgment, the faster we can help our co-workers and friends get the support and treatment they need. The personal benefits of early intervention are obvious, and there’s an economic case for quick treatment, too. The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that serious mental illness causes workers who don’t receive adequate treatment $193.2 billion in lost earnings each year – but there’s good news. Because 80% of employees who receive treatment for mental illness report improved efficacy and satisfaction at work.

The workplace can be a source of mental health support for workers of all ages, in all types of jobs and from all backgrounds. A better understanding of the prevalence of mental health conditions is prompting many employers to consider new strategies to support their employees’ mental health.

Since May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re taking advantage of the opportunity to highlight some of the things the Department of Labor is doing to promote mental health at work. https://buff.ly/3WImkCb