Step 1:

Identify the signs of someone who may be struggling.

Below are some symptoms of mental illness or distress, and how they may appear in the workplace.

Sleep problems

Lack of concentration

Slowed thoughts

Aches and pains

Forgetfulness

Alcohol/substance use

Irritability or tearfulness

Low motivation or morale

By definition, mental illness impacts more than one aspect of a person’s life. Symptoms of mental illness or emotional distress often have a corresponding impact on a person’s performance and productivity in the workplace.  Above are just a few of the common ways that mental illness, when left unaddressed, can impact employees and the workplace.

If you are a manager or supervisor, you are in a unique position to notice the signs and symptoms of distress and to create an environment where it is safe for employees to seek the help they may need. You can also help guide employees to resources such as an employee assistance program. But remember, it is neither a supervisor’s nor a co-worker’s role to diagnose. Instead, refer those in visible distress to the available resources.

Common myths about mental health

Misinformation creates myths, and once they become popularly known, these untruths can be challenging to correct. Discussing the facts about mental health can help break down these stigma-creating barriers.

MYTH 1: Mental health problems don’t affect me.

FACT: Mental health concerns are actually very common. Every year:

• 1 in 5 American adults experiences a mental health concern

• 1 in 10 young people experiences a period of major depression

• 1 in 20 Americans lives with a serious mental health concern, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression

• Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States - more than double the number of lives lost to homicide

MYTH 2: Most people with mental health problems can’t hold down a job.

FACT: People with mental health concerns who receive treatment are just as productive as other employees.

Employers who hire people with mental health diagnoses report good attendance and punctuality as well as motivation, good work and job tenure on par with or greater than other employees.

When employees with mental health concerns receive adequate treatment, it can result in lower total medical costs, increased productivity, lower absenteeism and decreased disability costs.

MYTH 3: People with mental concerns are violent and unpredictable.

FACT: The vast majority of people with mental health concerns are no more likely to be violent than anyone else.

Most people with mental illness are not violent, and only 3%-5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness. In fact, people with severe mental conditions are eleven times more likely to be victims of violent crime than the general population.

You probably know someone with a mental health concern and don't even realize it because many people living with a diagnosis are highly active and productive members of our communities.

MYTH 4: Once a friend or family member develops a mental health concern, he or she will never recover.

FACT: Studies show that people with mental health concerns get better, and many recover completely.

Recovery refers to the process in which people can live, work, learn and participate fully in their communities. Research continues to improve both the understanding and treatment of mental health concerns.

MYTH 5: Therapy and self-help are a waste of time. Why bother when you can just take a pill?

FACT: Treatment for mental health varies depending on the individual and could include medication, therapy or both.

Many individuals work with a support system during the healing and recovery process. 

Quite often, a combination of medication and supportive counseling is most effective.

MYTH 6: Most people with mental illness get the treatment they need.

FACT: Only 45% of adults in the U.S. with a mental health condition receive mental health services.

A combination of stigma and barriers to access prevent many people from receiving the treatment they need.

MYTH 7: Weakness or character flaws cause mental illness. People can snap out of it if they try hard enough.

FACT: Like physical illness, mental illness is caused by a combination of factors and has nothing to do with being lazy or weak. Many people need help to get better.

Factors that contribute to mental health concerns include:

• Biological factors, such as genes, physical illness, injury or brain chemistry

• Life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse

• Family history of mental health problems

People with a mental health diagnosis can get better, and many recover completely.

MYTH 8: I can't do anything for a person with a mental health concern.

FACT: This might be the greatest myth of all. You can make a big difference.

Friends, family members and co-workers can be important influences to help someone get the treatment and services they need by:

• Reaching out and letting them know you are available to help

• Helping them access mental health services

• Learning and sharing the facts about mental health, especially if you hear something that isn't true

• Treating them with respect, just as you would anyone else

• Refusing to define them by their diagnosis or using labels such as "crazy"

Source: Mental Health.gov, https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/mental-health-myths-facts