Mental health is an important component of overall well-being and is equally as vital as physical health for all employees. Mental health concerns due to work have the potential to adversely impact an employee's social interactions, productivity, performance, and absenteeism.
Stress affects people in a variety of ways such as muscle tension, headaches, stomach discomfort, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Ignoring workplace stress can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, co-workers, and communities.
Traumatic Events
Sometimes a shocking, scary, or dangerous experience can be so intense that it can have an emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and physical impact on a person. Some examples of traumatic events that can happen in workplaces are:
• Explosions or chemical releases
• Building, crane, or other equipment collapses
• Co-workers being injured or dying on the job
• Abuse or assault of a co-worker or client
It is normal to feel terrified during and after a traumatic event. This is part of the body’s “fight or flight” response to possible danger. Traumatic events can happen to workers in all industries.
After experiencing a traumatic event people may:
• Feel anxious, sad, or angry
• Have terrifying thoughts or flashbacks
• Have recurring nightmares
• Be confused or unable to think clearly
• Have a hard time falling and staying asleep
• Frighten easily
If these symptoms continue long after the event or affect day-to-day life, they can be signs of acute stress disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Both require professional help to address.
Substance Use Disorder
Substance use disorder is a persistent desire for substances even in the face of negative consequences. Some people come to rely on opioids, stimulants, alcohol, or other substances even when the substances cause harm. People may develop a dependence on drugs, including prescription medications, and alcohol for many reasons, including the presence of other mental health conditions, chronic pain, or injuries. Regardless of the underlying reason, substance use disorder can be treated and controlled.
Suicide
Suicide can touch anyone, anywhere, at any time. But it is not inevitable. Help is available. According to the CDC
• More than 12 million adults seriously think about suicide each year.
• More than 3 million adults make a plan to commit suicide each year.
• More than 1 million adults attempt suicide each year.
• More than 48,000 people die by suicide in the United States each year.
People of any age, gender, and background can have thoughts of suicide. Untreated mental health conditions can lead to these thoughts and even suicidal actions. That is why it is important to provide resources and encourage people to get help when they are having mental health concerns, experiencing traumatic events, or battling substance use disorders.
Certain factors may increase an individual’s risk of
developing suicidal thoughts and attempting suicide
such as:
• Mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders
• Traumatic events
• Health issues like chronic pain or illness
• Prolonged stress
• Recent tragedy or loss
• Criminal or legal problems
• Job loss or financial problems
• Substance use disorder
• Childhood trauma
• Domestic violence
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