I Am OK (I Think); Are You OK? by David L. James, CPA (Retired), CCIFP Many of you may remember the article in the February, 2020 Journal of Accountancy by Mark Cowan entitled, “Depression and the CPA.” Cowan bravely plowed headlong into a discussion on the challenges of those suffering from a mental illness and the stigma associated with such a diagnosis. In August, the ASCPA Corporate Finance and Construction Conference will be exploring this issue in one of the conference sessions, Workplace Safety: A Leader’s Guide to Mental Wellness. This session will focus on the critical role of the workplace in overcoming the stigma Cowan spoke about. We will also look into the occupation experiencing the highest rate of suicide deaths: construction and extraction. The multi-faceted struggles of the past few months, courtesy of COVID-19, have accelerated mental health issues across the country as evidenced by suicide crisis hotlines that have seen a spike in people reaching out. Emotional and mental wellness can be tough in good times, but is even more difficult to maintain during times of uncertainty, with financial and family stressors impacting us daily. The unique circumstances we have faced over the past few months have taken away the stability of our daily routine. Many workers have been laid off or furloughed, and social distancing and isolation/shelter-in-place lifestyle patterns have become a new norm.
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AZ CPA JULY/AUGUST 2020
Why are we looking at these issues in the workplace? The workplace is, historically anyway, where we experience a significant amount of human contact and interaction. For those struggling with a mental illness, we need to make sure they know that they are not alone. Connectivity is important in maintaining mental and emotional wellness, and the workplace is an important setting to stay connected. Additionally, the workplace is where employees have an opportunity to notice changes in their co-workers and are in a position to help guide them to resources for help. Conversely, isolation is a leading factor for those at risk for suicide. With the recent effects of COVID-19, many workers have been isolated from their fellow workers. Especially impacted are those who are single and live alone and have been either furloughed, laid off or are working from home. A workplace culture that promotes mental wellness is a direct reflection of company leadership. Leadership is not about “being in charge,” rather it is about caring for those “in your charge.” In order for a company to achieve this cultural transformation, top down commitment to education, awareness and elimination of stigma must be a part of their strategic plan. It is important to open up the dialogue about mental illness and suicide prevention, so it becomes natural and a comfortable conversation. If a workplace environment supports a culture of openness and stigma elimination, workers will be more likely to apply this same understanding to family and community. Why are construction and extraction number one in suicide deaths? There are a number of risk factors that place someone with a mental illness or challenged by life circumstances in danger of suicide. For construction/ extraction, the nature of the occupational demands create a perfect storm of many of these risk factors. While they are certainly not exclusive to this occupational group, as several of these risks are also found within the CPA profession, the risks are heightened
