There are many mental health conditions with which your employees could be struggling. According to a study from the Mental Health in the Workplace Summit, more workdays are lost to mental health-related absenteeism than any other injury or illness. Familiarizing yourself with the most common mental health conditions can help you recognize the signs that an employee may be struggling and destigmatize mental health at your organization.
Depression
Depression is a serious mental health condition that can significantly impact an individual’s daily life. It is characterized by sadness, hopelessness, and emptiness that lasts for an extended period. These feelings can be severe and persistent, making it difficult for a person to carry out daily activities and responsibilities.
Depression can also cause various physical symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping, and a dramatic change in appetite. Some individuals may experience insomnia, while others may need excessive sleep. They may lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed or lack energy, making it hard to get out of bed in the morning.
Depression often coexists with other illnesses, such as anxiety disorders or substance abuse. This tendency can make the condition even more challenging to manage, as the individual may be dealing with multiple symptoms simultaneously.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition characterized by dramatic mood swings between incredible highs (mania) to significant lows (depression).
Mania involves a high energy level, excessive happiness, and increased activity. Individuals in a manic state may engage in uncharacteristic and reckless behaviours, such as spending excessive money or driving erratically. They may also experience a decreased need for sleep, an inflated sense of self-importance, and rapid speech.
On the other hand, depression is characterized by sadness, hopelessness, and emptiness that last for an extended period.
People with bipolar disorder may experience manic episodes followed by periods of reclusiveness and depression. This can make the condition challenging to manage, as the individual may feel like a completely different person during different episodes.
Employers can provide access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) which offer practical solutions and resources for employees dealing with common workplace mental health conditions.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition characterized by excessive and persistent worry and tension. Individuals with GAD feel constant and exaggerated worry and stress for at least six months, even when there is little to worry about. This excessive worry can affect their day-to-day life and make it difficult for them to manage daily tasks and cope with everyday life.
The constant state of worry and tension can cause various physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, irritability, nausea, muscle tension, restlessness, and sleep disturbances. Concentration may also be affected, making it difficult to focus on work or other tasks.
Individuals with GAD may be excessively worried about a variety of things, such as health, money, or relationships. They may have difficulty relaxing and be unable to control their worry, even when they know it’s excessive.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is a mental health condition characterized by repeated and unexpected panic attacks. A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort that usually peaks within minutes and can include a variety of physical and psychological symptoms. These symptoms can include a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Some people may also experience chest pain, a choking sensation or a sense of impending doom.
Panic attacks can be very debilitating, causing individuals to avoid certain situations or places that they associate with the attacks. This avoidance can significantly impact their daily life, and they may have trouble carrying out their daily activities and responsibilities.
It’s important to note that panic attacks are not dangerous, but the feeling of losing control can be very distressing.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as military combat, sexual or physical assault, a serious accident, or a natural disaster.
Symptoms of PTSD can include re-experiencing the traumatic event through flashbacks or nightmares, avoidance of people, places, and activities that remind the person of the event, adverse changes in mood and cognition, and feeling on edge or irritable. Some people may also have difficulty sleeping or be short-tempered. These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s daily life and lead to other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
It’s important to seek professional help if experiencing symptoms of any of these mental health conditions. Remember that these conditions are treatable, with therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes that can help individuals manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
What steps can employers take to support their employee’s mental health?
Employers can provide access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) which offer practical solutions and resources for employees dealing with common workplace mental health conditions. EAPs can include therapy, assessment, and treatment options and offer a confidential way for employees to connect with mental health professionals. To ensure employees are aware of this resource, employers can make information about the EAP available through company bulletin boards, employee handouts, or internal communications.
Not sure if your Employee Assistance Plan has what it takes to support your employees’ mental health effectively? Contact us to discuss the options for a custom solution for your business.
