Mental health matters; employers can promote wellness

The pandemic made many people, including leaders and managers, more aware of the importance of mental wellness. Unfortunately, what we’re now seeing is that talking about mental health is not translating into people receiving the help they need. Employers have a role in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness and actively promoting wellness within […]

The pandemic made many people, including leaders and managers, more aware of the importance of mental wellness. Unfortunately, what we’re now seeing is that talking about mental health is not translating into people receiving the help they need. Employers have a role in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness and actively promoting wellness within their workforce.

Last year in the Quad Cities area, local hospitals recorded more than 8,000 emergency visits for persons experiencing a mental health crisis. If we think about that for a moment, we understand that the number is larger than the employee base of either of our top two area employers.  Younger workers and minority populations were at risk even prior to the pandemic. The latest national data now indicates each of these groups are seeing higher rates for mental health conditions and suicide. The reasons for this are different. Younger workers are from generations that are both successful and driven, but prone to anxiety and depression due to financial pressures and the comparative influence of social media. Racial minorities and LGBTQ+ populations face stiff social stigma and often lack access to care and culturally appropriate providers. At the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), we believe that mental illness is traumatic for the individual affected and the entire family. Poor mental health impacts relationships, home life, social life, school and work. For employers, it contributes to lack of productivity and increased attrition.  Mental wellness needs to be part of all corporate efforts to change culture and become a more inclusive workplace. Leaders and front-line managers can positively impact the workplace by recognizing what a mental health condition looks like, and not only encourage conversation but action to get help.  NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley offers employer training led by family education instructors who weave their own story into the presentation to help normalize conversation and demonstrate there is help and hope.  Our organization is part of more than 60 health and social service providers who have come together to expand and connect mental health resources, and work with employers to create a more supportive environment. The Quad City Behavioral Health Coalition offers a “Make it OK” presentation that teaches employees how to simply talk to someone who discloses they have a mental health condition. The coalition also sponsors a Zero Suicide Initiative which trains individuals, particularly those working in the service sector who interact with a lot of people, how to recognize signs of mental distress and talk to someone who may be thinking about suicide.  Angela Gallagher is the executive director of NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley. She can be reached at execdir@namigmv.org.