Mental health problems affect one in five Americans each year. It has a debilitating effect on the sufferer and comes at a considerable cost to organizations and population-based management.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy $1 trillion in lost productivity each year. Despite increasing chronic mental conditions and disability claims, organizations often fail to implement mental health support and well-being protocols.

The National spending on mental health services totaled $225.1 billion in 2019 and accounted for 5.5% of the total health budget. Yet, according to Tufts Medical Center, that cost doesn’t include an estimated $44 billion more in lost time from absences.

A biologically focused approach has dominated the American healthcare system for decades. Most of America’s national funds for mental health have gone to the biomedical model, emphasizing pharmacological treatments. Ergo, very little of the federal budget is allocated for building protective and risk factor solutions. Obviously, a shift to alternative measures for protective and risk factor management is needed.

The unique experiences that define our mental health

There is a myriad of unique experiences that define our mental health. It could be something as simple as the lack of sleep, inadequate nutrition, and general lack of self-care that affects our mental well-being. However, some people may have more severe experiences like; childhood trauma, neglect, bullying, discrimination, or emotional, sexual, and physical abuse.

As a result, some individuals may find it challenging to engage with others. They might feel isolated because of conflicts at home, school, or work. Perhaps the death of a loved one, a divorce, or a stressful financial situation has lead them into a depressive and anxious disorder. Any combination of these experiences can have a devastating toll on a person’s capacity to function.

It is crucial to recognize untreated symptoms of mental conditions that often cause physical illnesses such as heart disease, headaches, joint or back pain, and more.

Understanding the root cause

Each person has a unique set of circumstances that contributes to their mental health. Undoubtedly, employers and population-based managers would benefit from evaluating the risk and exploring protective methods to overcome mental health problems. Early detection and intervention are crucial for a productive and thriving environment. It can also decrease diagnosis rates.

Attributing social factors: poverty, violence, and employment

Our families, schools, communities, work, and social-economic backgrounds shape how we see and feel about ourselves. All these factors can either pose a risk to our mental health or have a stabling effect.

Childhood poverty has been linked to depression and anxiety in adults. If an individual is born into poverty, they will most likely be an under-achiever because of cognitive and attention problems or behavioral issues like aggression and bullying. Likewise, when adults are on the poverty threshold, they’re most likely to suffer from depressive and anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and psychological distress. Poverty comes with a high risk of suicide.

Whether witnessed or experienced, violence can profoundly affect a person’s psyche, especially if untreated. They may suffer from chronic insecurities and feel victimized or discriminated against by the community or workplace. Often they have trouble getting or keeping a job.

Combating the cost of mental illness

Mental health in any population base is too significant to neglect. Millions of people suffer from anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Because of the stigma attached to mental illness, many people don’t report symptoms.

Stress and discrimination are often listed as the cause of angst in families, school, the community, and the workplace. If a person’s depression or anxiety is left untreated, symptoms can escalate into a costly crisis. So, overlooking the mental health and well-being of a population can affect an organization’s or institution’s bottom line.

Mental health problems can cause high staff turnover rates, absenteeism, productivity loss, and even disability claims in business. Schools can suffer high truancy and dropout rates. Hospitals and medical care facilities risk staff shortages that can have devastating consequences for patients and the community. Families can fall apart under the pressure of a loved one with mental health problems, especially if they are drug or alcohol dependent. Community services can get bogged down with mental health service obligations.

Evaluating whether individuals are suffering short-term symptoms of depression and anxiety or long-term can mitigate the risks and costs. A shift to a preventative and supportive setting is essential for reducing the risk and expense of mental illness.

When population-based management adopts a self-help platform, they can build a healthier more productive, and happier atmosphere.

Prevention is the key

We have significantly reduced the risks of physical illness through prevention with smoking cessation, better nutrition, exercise, and medical screenings. So, why wouldn’t we do the same to reduce the risk of mental illness? We know that risk reduction and positive behavioral activities have a dramatic impact on the mental health and physical wellbeing of a population.

Leveraging life in a digital age, CredibleMind has solved the “matching problem.”  We developed a platform comprised of thousands of resources for self-help empowerment, plus data-driven analytical tools to help population-based mental health management focus on escalating issues. Users discover an engaging, personalized experience that satisfies their learning style and needs. The platform works for employers, health systems, clinicians, public health departments, and hospitals to manage staff and patients. CredibleMind is continually updated through A.I. and expert review. Your organization or institution can customize the platform for its unique requirements.

How can thinking holistically help with your mental health programs?  Contact Scott Dahl to brainstorm how the CredibleMind platform might be a viable, affordable solution.

• scott@crediblemind.com
• 404-721-5964
• Find a convenient time on Scott’s calendar