Mental Health at Work

www.mhand.org

April 21, 2023

Mental Healthat Work

www.mhand.org

April 21, 2023

Objectives:

1. Discuss mind, body and soul interaction to achieve balance.

2. Develop communication strategies to successfully manage conflict in the workplace.

3. Identify community resources 4. Recognize the signs of workplace stress and

anxiety including job burnout.

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Note: The information contained in this presentation and being presented is provided for general knowledge and education. It is not intended as a replacement for advice from a medical professional.

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TheConnection+ Workers’ Mental Health

+ The Work Environment

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“Health” is a complete state of:

Physical

Well-being(body)

+ Mental

Well-being

(mind)

also referred to as

Emotional Healthor

Mental Health

+ Social

Well-being

(soul)

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Our “Mental Health”

It has to do with how we function mentally. It affects productive activities, fulfilling relationships with others, and the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity.

Our brain is an organ just like our heart, liver, kidneys – it can get “sick” and suffer from a mental health condition (mental illness)

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Our Mental Health and Work

Our mental health affects our ability to: Think and be productive Be creative and innovative Establish positive relationships with

coworkers Adapt to an ever-changing work

environment Cope with adversity

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Basically, Work is Enjoyable

Provides structure Opportunity to socialize Provides a sense of accomplishment Is a source of happiness

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Downsizing Mergers Restructuring Doing more with less Change Layoffs Higher expectations More demands More pressure

The Ever-Changing WorkplaceCan be a Jungle

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Each year, in a typical office of 20 people, 4 will suffer from a mental health condition

1 million employees miss work each day due to work stress

Economy loses billions of dollars to mental health conditions each year

As a Result…

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COST TO EMPLOYERS Untreated mental disorders impact workforce productivity and affect the company bottom line.

Mental illness and substance abuse annually cost employers in indirect costs an estimated $80 to $100 billion. 1 Individuals who are depressed but not receiving care for the condition consume two to four times the healthcare resources of other enrollees. 1 More workers are absent from work because of stress and anxiety than because of physical illness or injury. 2

Mental illness short-term disability claims are growing by 10% annually and can account for 30% or more of the corporate disability experience for the typical employer. 2

1An Employer’s Guide to Behavioral Health Services, National Business Group on Health, December 2005 2 Marlowe JF: Depression’s Surprising Toll on Worker Productivity, Employee Benefits Journal, March 2002, pp. 16-20.

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HIDDEN COSTS

•Employees with depression cost employers $44 billion per year in lost productive time. 1

•More days of work loss and work impairment are caused by mental illness than many other chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and arthritis. 2

•Individuals with depression are about twice as likely to develop coronary artery disease, twice as likely to have a stroke, and more than four times as likely to die within six months from a myocardial infarction. 3

1Stewart WF et al: Cost of Lost Productive Work Time Among U.S. Workers with Depression. JAMA, June 18, 2003, pp. 3135- 3144. Employer’s Guide to Behavioral Health Services, National Business Group on Health, December 2005 3Sederer LI et al: Integrating Care for Medical and Mental Illnesses. Preventing Chronic Disease, April 2006

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As a Result…

Increased employee absenteeism Increased tardiness Increased turnover Diminished productivity Performance problems/issues Safety concerns/potential work

accidents These all have a negative effect on a

business’ s bottom line.

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The Workplace CanSometimes Lead to:

+ Stress (+ Job Burnout)

+ Anxiety

+ Depression

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Stress is a part of life, it’s allaround us

Dealing with it successfully is necessary for adaptationand growth

A Necessary Evil? Maybe.

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Why We Feel Stressed

A combination of what is happening to us both on and off the job – each of us has individual factors

Try to balance work, family, friends/community, and self needs

Try to be all things to all people – “do it all”

Information overload/too many choices A rapidly changing world (technology,

terrorism – we’re forced to adapt)

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Stress-Causing Work Conditions

Heavy workload/too many hats/rapid change/unrealistic deadlines

Hectic and routine tasks that have little meaning or tasks that do not utilize workers’ skills or capabilities

Inability to make your own decisions Job insecurity/lack of opportunity for

growth Uncertain/conflicting job expectations

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Stress-Causing Work Conditions

Isolation Long work hours/shift work Poor employer communication Relationships (management, supervisors,

coworkers, and subordinates) Physical conditions (noise, air quality,

personal space, equipment, ergonomic problems)

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Signs of Stress

Feeling constantly overwhelmed Strained relationships “Little things” set us off frequently Headache Sleep disturbances/changes High blood pressure Withdrawal Memory loss

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Signs of Stress

Lack of concentration Poor job performance Changes in appetite Low self-esteem Nervousness Upset stomach Cold hands and feet – caused by

poor circulation

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Stress is a contributing factor in 80% of major illnesses:

Immune system is weakened, making us more susceptible to ailments

Cancer/ulcers Heart disease/diabetes Skin disorders Workplace injury And also, suicide.

The newest research shows that chronic stress can actually double our risk of having a heart attack

Stress and Your Physical Health

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Job Burnout: A Reaction to Stress

It can leave you feeling: Powerless Hopeless Fatigued Drained Frustrated

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Factors Related to Job Burnout

Overworked/too many responsibilities Underappreciated Resentful about duties that are not

commensurate with pay Confused about expectations and

priorities Concerned about job security

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Early Warning Signs of Job Burnout

Dread of going to work in the morning You care less than you used to about

your job Chronic fatigue – exhaustion,

tiredness, a sense of being physically run down

Cynicism, negativity, and irritability Anger at those making demands

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How Do You Score?Take a Burnout Inventory.

Visit this web site:http://www.lessons4living.com

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Anxiety

It’s o.k. to experience “normal anxious feelings”

Almost everyone experiences anxiety from time to time

A normal reaction to stress Is a worried, uptight feeling Typically, it goes away when the

triggering event is over May grow out of a conflict between what

we would like to do and what we think we should do

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Anxiety: When it’s a Problem

When it becomes an excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations

Interferes with daily activities When excessive fear or worry are out

of proportion to the situation Difficult to control These feelings are more intense and

last longer than normal feelings of anxiety

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What is Depression?

A medical disorder with a biological and chemical basis

It affects thoughts, moods, feelings, behavior, and even physical health

Depression is the second leading cause of disability in the U.S. (ischemic heart disease is #1)

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Factors that Contribute to Depression

Stressful life events (death, lossof job)

Environmental factors (continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse, disasters, or poverty)

Personality (low self-esteem) and personality traits (positive or negative)

Trauma/biochemistry/genetics/medications/or no trigger at all

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Signs of Depression

Persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety

Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities/withdrawal

Insomnia or oversleeping Trouble concentrating/making

decisions/thinking clearly – problems with memory

Persistent negative view of yourself, your situation, and the future

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Signs of Depression

Loss of energy or increased fatigue Thoughts of death, dying, or suicide

Note: Signs take different forms for different age groups.

Brochures are available in the back of the room on the these topics.

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How YouCan Cope

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Help Give Stress the Boot

Proper diet, exercise, and sleep Set realistic goals Talk with others – it helps restore your

energy Help others – connect with a cause or

community group Take steps to try to recognize your own

personal symptoms of stress Look at your lifestyle – see what can be

changed Have some fun – take time for you

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Stomp Out Burnout

Identify the job concerns that make you feel stressed

Talk to your supervisor about your concerns/changing job responsibilities

Focus on positive aspects Learn effective time management Improve your coping skills. Take the

test at http://discoveryhealth.queendom.com/coping_short_access.html

Look at other job/career options

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Use facts to deal with anxiety – they help “quiet” your mind and help you regain control

Medications Psychotherapy (“talk therapy”)

Dealing With Anxiety

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Getting Beyond Depression

Seek medical help for an accurate diagnosis

Medications Psychotherapy (“talk therapy”) Re-establish harmony or balance

within the body and in the lifestyle: aromatherapy; vitamins; and proper diet, exercise, and sleep

Note: Visit www.mhand.org to take a free online depression screening.

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Handling Workplace Situations“We’re all in this together.”

Remember that everyone reacts differently to situations and stress and may have different levels of flexibility

If you find yourself upset in a situation, try to remain calm so a more productive conversation can occur – if that’s not possible, explain that you need to step away. Always remember your body language.

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“We’re all in this together.”

Addressing office gossip: walk away, change the subject, state “I’m not comfortable talking about other people…”

Communication: Offer ideas for improved communication at work. Be part of the solution.

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“We’re all in this together.”

Dealing with someone who’s angry: Make a friendly gesture (sit down, glass

of water, visit in private) Validate their feelings (“I can see why

you might think that…” show you care) Listen (Wait for them to finish, say “So,

what I hear you saying is…”) State your position in a manner that

neither takes blame nor throws it (“I’m sorry this situation has made you so upset…”In the future, I will try to….”)

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“We’re all in this together.”

The “office bully" who makes trouble: ignore them, talk to your supervisor and document inappropriate behavior, or address the person in a calm and self-assured way

The “Oops”, “I can’t believe I did that!”: address the issue timely, sincerely, and appropriately – then move on

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Talk About It

Break down the barriers that prevent you from seeking treatment

Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness – taking care of ourselves is a sign of strength

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Getting Help

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Your Human Resources Department Your primary care provider A spiritual or religious

leader/counselor Mental Health America

of North Dakota:Dial 2-1-1 or visit www.mhand.org

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Calls are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL It’s for everyday needs and in times of

crisis Serves as a “one-stop-shop” connecting

people to health and human services information (our complete database of resources is on the web at ww.mhand.org – just click below the 2-1-1 logo)

Is staffed 24/7 by call center specialists Serves all North Dakotans statewide Resource Library (over 1,500 titles) online

at www.mhand.org

Dial 2-1-1

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Questions

This presentation was developed byand is the property of MHAND,

PO Box 4106 – Bismarck ND 58502-4106www.mhand.org

Phone: 2-1-1 or 1-800-472-2911

Your comments and suggestionsare welcome. Please email:

mharrv@juno.com