Recognizing Mental Health Issues in the WorkplaceDr. Kent Youngman & Dr. Greta MayerMental Health & Recovery Board of Clark, Greene and Madison CountiesMay 2015

Mental Health in the Workplace

• One in five people experience mental illness• 18% of working Americans ages 15-54 reported symptoms of a

mental health disorder in the previous month• Depression, bipolar, AD/HD, anxiety may present differently at

work• By 2020 behavioral health disorders will surpass all physical

diseases as major cause of disability worldwide

Impact of Depression• Most common mental health problem in the workplace• Despite prevalence, frequently goes undetected, untreated• Indirect costs include sick days, disability, and lost productivity• Stigma and fear of losing one’s job can prevent people who

are in distress from seeking help• Managers may notice a change in their employees, but not

know how to assist

Signs and Symptoms• Low mood is characteristic, but other symptoms are important to

recognize• Nervousness, restlessness, irritability• Preoccupation with aches and pains, fatigued• Becoming passive, withdrawn, aimless, unproductive• Impaired judgment and clouded decision-making• Sleep troubles may contribute to these signs• Focus on change in behavior• Depression affects the physical body, emotions, and thoughts

Depression Defined1. Weight gain/loss2. Sleep problems 3. Loss of energy, exhaustion; agitation or

slowing4. Sad or irritable mood 5. Loss of interest in pleasurable things,

lack of motivation6. Worthlessness or excessive guilt7. Confusion, loss of concentration, poor

memory8. Negative thinking9. Withdrawal from friends and family10. Suicidal thoughts

(DSM-IV-TR, 2000)

Physical, body regulation

Thou

ghts

Emoti

onal

Recognize Signs and Refer• Note changes in co-workers• Equip yourself with referral resources• Provide support, listen with empathy• Who have you talked to about this?• Have you talked to your doctor?

• Provide information and assistance• There are some excellent resources available. Here is some

information about where you can get assistance.• Check back and provide support

• Encourage professional help-seeking

Case Example• Tiana had worked with Jennifer for three years. Although they

were not good friends, they got along well at work. In the past few months, Tiana noticed that Jennifer seemed different from her usual self. Typically, she was calm and focused on her work. But now she seemed either agitated or really tired and would snap at co-workers about little things. In addition, Tiana overheard her crying and arguing on the phone with her boyfriend.

• What could Tiana do? (SPRC,

2013)

Treatment Works!• Up to 90% of people with mental illness are treatable with a

variety of therapies and supports• Talk therapy can be just as effective as medication, both

together are best practice• Treatment recovery rates of mental health problems are

higher than for ‘physical’ health problems like heart disease, asthma, diabetes

Good Business Sense• Effective outpatient treatment can produce cost savings for

employers by reducing worker impairment• After three weeks of treatment, work impairment of

employees living with mental illness was reduced from 31% to 18%

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) produce direct cost savings for employers with reduced medical, disability, and worker’s compensation claims• Cost savings gained through improved work performance,

increased worker productivity, and decreased absenteeism• ROI is about $2 - $4 savings for every dollar invested

Referral Resources• Mental Health Services of Clark County• 474 North Yellow Springs Street (937) 399-9500

• WellSpring• 15 East Pleasant Street (937) 325-5564

• Catholic Charities• 701 East Columbia Street (937) 325-8715

• McKinley Hall • 1101 East High Street (937) 328-5300

• EAPs• Primary Care Providers• Private professional counseling and psychotherapy

Workplace Strategy• Written notes of praise or thanks for a job well done identifies

behaviors we appreciate and want to see more often• Recognize everyday actions that help us get along, lead

happier and more productive lives• Helping others• Giving good effort• Showing kindness• Setting a good example

• Research shows that feedback and reinforcement programs can decrease workplace anxiety and violence, while increasing morale, job satisfaction, and positive behavior

• Try it today!

Contact Us • 1055 East High Street • (937) 322-0648 x110 kent@mhrb.org x103 greta@mhrb.org