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Sponsored by: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
Updated: October 8, 2023

Workplace Impact on the Rise of Anxiety & Depression

Anxiety disorders are the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions, affecting almost 2 in 10 adults each year, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Amid an unpredictable economic climate and financial worries, depression and anxiety rates are reported to have recently increased by 25% from 2022 to 2023.

Mainers are not immune to these struggles. The most recent available data shows that 37.5% of adults in Maine report feelings of anxiety or depression, slightly above the national average. However, our states scores well when it comes to mental health care– Maine is the #8 best state for mental health care support according to Forbes Advisor. And as an employer, you have an opportunity to ensure your workforce has access to comprehensive benefits that empowers them to access behavioral health support.

The impacts of anxiety or depression are undoubtedly being felt by someone within your workforce, and they could even be dealing with diagnosed anxiety disorders or depression. Here, we’ll explore the connection between these behavioral health issues, and how employers can support employees who may be struggling.

Understanding anxiety disorders and depression

Feeling down or anxious now and then can be common. For people with anxiety disorders and depression, these feelings are ongoing and can be more severe. Anxiety disorders involve intense, excessive or continuous worry about everyday situations to the point where it can be difficult to control and may interfere with work, relationships and everyday functioning.

Similarly, depression can cause severe symptoms that affect how a person feels, thinks and handles daily activities, such as sleeping, eating or working. A person struggling with depression may have persistent feelings of hopelessness, irritability, frustration, restlessness, guilt, a loss of interest in hobbies and activities, low energy or fatigue.

Workplace impacts on mental health

The workplace plays a significant role in a person’s overall health and well-being and can either contribute to or detract from anxiety disorders and depression. Factors like long hours, excessive workloads, job insecurity, inflexibility and a work environment that lacks a supportive culture can increase stress levels and worsen overall mental health.

Alternatively, when employees have meaningful roles that enable confidence, purpose and achievement, they feel included and valued. Positive working relationships and supportive benefits and resources can all positively impact their mental health.

Ways to support employees struggling with their mental health 

Mental health issues are complex, with a multitude of contributing factors. Having a comprehensive benefits offering and making sure employees know what resources are available to them can be extremely helpful to a person along their mental health journey.

Employers can help support colleague well-being in the workplace by:

  • Offering a strong mental health benefits package – A work and well-being survey by the American Psychological Association found that 81% of people say they’ll be looking for workplaces that support mental health when seeking future job opportunities. Flexible options, such as in-person therapy, teletherapy and digital solutions, give employees more inclusive ways to receive the help they may need.
     
  • Building well-being into company culture – Remind employees of the different wellness programs, like yoga, mindfulness and well-being webinars, included in their benefits package—as well as if there are any fitness reimbursements available to them. And encourage behaviors and a workplace culture that empowers them to prioritize their mental health every day.

By raising awareness and understanding for mental health issues like anxiety and depressive disorders and creating an organization that works to be part of the solution, employers can foster a happier, healthier workforce.

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care is committed to whole health support, including behavioral health. For more information about our resources available to members, please visit the Harvard Pilgrim website.