May is Mental Health Month! With more than 1 in 5 (or over 57 million) adults in the United States living with a mental illness, everyone in the workplace must know the signs and how to help. Some of the most common mental health issues in the workplace are anxiety, depression, and burnout. With the proper knowledge, you can support your team’s mental health by breaking the stigma!
Stress/Anxiety
Almost everyone has experienced workplace stress, which can affect our day-to-day functioning and manifest in anxiety. Over 80% of workers report stress in the workplace, and 19% of U.S. adults live with an anxiety disorder. Employers can support their employees by looking for critical signs like restlessness, paranoia, or apprehension. Anxious employees may turn down opportunities, worry about job security, or experience reduced engagement. Offer support to employees experiencing anxiety by demonstrating clear communication and providing extra aid during times of transition or uncertainty.
Depression
8.4% of adults in the United States have major depressive disorder, and an estimated 23% of U.S. workers and managers report being diagnosed with depression at some point. The drain of depression on one’s executive function can make even showing up to work difficult. Employers should be flexible about mental health days and check in with employees who take increased time off, isolate themselves, or seem disengaged. As leaders, focusing on positive outcomes and modifying duties as needed can be crucial in supporting employees with depression.
Burnout
If one of your employees or team members is burnt out, other people on your team may be experiencing the same problem, as the causes of burnout tend to reflect deficiencies in workplace culture. 77% of employees report at least one experience of burnout at work, and even those most passionate are not immune. Out of the 87% of professionals who are passionate about their current job, 64% are frequently stressed. To combat burnout, look to your company culture. Offer plenty of support and recognition, adjust deadlines and expectations to ensure they are realistic, and promote a healthy work-life balance.
