Since the start of the COViD-19 pandemic to 2021, we’ve seen an increase of mental health awareness in adults. Mental health has been a prominent topic over the past few months. In America alone, 19% (47.1 million) of people in the U.S. are living with a mental health condition nationwide, a 1.5 million increase over last year’s report, according to Mental Health America (MHA). What does this mean for mental health in 2021? If it continues to follow the current trend, it will only worsen. Many adults report having symptoms of a mental illness but don’t seek help due to the stigma that surrounds mental health. We’ve defined what mental health is, how burnout can affect mental health, and listed a few things that can help combat the increases in mental health struggles.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health is a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is an important aspect in every stage of life. However, many people don’t really take it seriously until they reach adulthood. There are many things that contribute to mental health and what could cause mental health problems, such as:
- Genes
- Brain Chemistry
- Trauma
- Abuse
- History of Mental Health Problems
How Burnout Affects Mental Health
First off, we need to define burnout. Burnout is, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. There are three usual symptoms of burnout: feeling drained of energy or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one’s job or feeling negative towards one’s career, and a reduction in professional productivity.
Ways To Ease Strains on Mental Health
The best thing that you can do for tackling mental health is to know it’s okay to take a break. We are living in a society that is constantly moving without stopping and that can cause a lot of stress on the mind. When you are going throughout the day, you are constantly thinking about what you have to complete during the day, once you are home, and preparing for the workload of the next day. It is a lot to put on someone’s mind. Some additional things you can do to help relieve some mental strain is to go on a walk, take mini-breaks throughout the day, and let out your frustrations out on paper.
If you are experiencing more extreme forms of mental strain, talk with your employer about ways to combat mental health in the office or think about speaking to a professional. Insurance can actually help cover some of the cost in relation to getting mental health help. Your health insurance may assist in covering therapy costs, medication costs, and doctor visits.
Do you need more information of the impacts of mental health in your office? Are you wanting to add new policies to help your office employees work on their mental health? If so, reach out to your local agent today.