MHA Provides New Resources on Workplace Wellness

Mental Health America Provides New Resources on Workplace Wellness

April 1-7 is National Workplace Wellness Week

Contact: Steve Vetzner, (703) 797-2588, svetzner@mentalhealthamerica.net

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (March 26, 2013)—Mental Health America has developed new workplace wellness resources that are available to employees and employers in recognition of National Workplace Wellness Week, which occurs April 1-7.

“Workplace Wellness: Why it Matters” provides information on why businesses should support workplace wellness initiatives, myths about mental illness; resources on how to support an employee with a mental health condition; facts about bullying and harassment; and measures to determine the signs of a healthy workplace. (To view the resources, go to http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/workplacewellness.)

“Our mental and general healthare inextricably linked. For almost 20 years, stress-related issues in the workplace have been on the rise,” said Wayne W. Lindstrom, Ph.D., president and CEO of Mental Health America.

“What's more, these conditions tend to strike during our most productive working years, and they are among our nation's most disabling. The numbers are staggering. Every year, mental illness and substance use cost employers an estimated $80 to $100 billion in direct costs.”

Current data support the case that employers benefit financially from paying more attention to their staff members’ mental health needs. The bad news is that mental health problems are prevalent. They can strike anyone regardless of age, ethnic background, gender or socioeconomic status. Each year, in a typical office of 20 people, four will suffer from a mental health condition.

But there are highly effective, cost-efficient and scientifically validated treatments for mental illness. Mental health problems actually have better treatment outcome rates than the vast majority of common medical conditions. In fact, there is growing body of research shows that employers’ costs due to employee mental health problems are far greater than just the costs on the mental health service bill.

“Mental health education efforts more than pay for themselves—in fact, they are a business necessity and offer a competitive advantage,” said Dr. Lindstrom.

“The good news is that many employers are recognizing the human as well as financial value of having a healthy workplace. Businesses across the country report that promoting mental health as part of an overall wellness campaign has resulted in reduced health expenses and other financial gains for their organizations.”

The importance of incorporating mental health into workplace wellness programs will be one of the topics of Mental Health America’s 2013 Annual Conference, Why Wellness Works: Breakthroughs and Pathways to Whole Health, which will take place June 5 - 8, 2013, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. (For more information on the conference, go to http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/annualconference.)

Mental Health America (www.mentalhealthamerica.net), founded in 1909, is the nation’s leading community-based network dedicated to helping all Americans achieve wellness by living mentally healthier lives. With our 240 affiliates across the country, we touch the lives of millions—Advocating for changes in mental health and wellness policy; Educating the public & providing critical information; and delivering urgently needed mental health and wellness Programs and Services.

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