Mental Well-Being Should Be a Priority By Wellness Council of Indiana Executive Director, Jennifer Pferrer The pandemic has put a significant burden on Hoosier employers and their employees. Indiana businesses report a 400-800% increase in employee prescriptions related to mental health. Indiana hospital systems show increases in overdoses – as high as 300% – over the past year. Mental health is integral to our overall well-being; it affects how we think, feel and act. It impacts our relationships and job performance – how we handle stress, relate to others and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Every person has their own unique journey and no one is completely immune to poor mental well-being. The pandemic has challenged us in ways we’ve never faced. The impact of working remotely, losing employment, physical isolation and a general sense of loss of normalcy have naturally taken a toll. All Hoosiers can take an active role in helping foster their own mental well-being and that of others. Here are some suggestions: Become Mental Health First Aid certified. By gaining knowledge and compassion, you will help reduce the stigma and increase the understanding of mental health issues, in addition to learning how to identify a mental health crisis and provide initial intervention. Understand that mental health IS physical health. Mental health issues can often manifest as physical health symptoms, while poor physical health can lead to lower mental well-being. Seek professional help. It is OK to not be OK. There are health professionals available to help. Know the resources available to you. Understand benefits available from your employer. Employers are equipped to support individuals and their families. Many have employee assistance programs (EAPs) that are often part of your benefit package and may be of no additional cost to you or your family member. Be comfortable asking, “How are you doing, really?” There are some great questions to ask someone to open up conversations about mental health. (http://bit.ly/10qs10min) Whether you are looking to educate yourself or seek help for yourself or a friend, there are many great tools in place. We encourage employers to have a list of resources available specific to your community. Below are state and national tools for you to use or pass along to your employees: • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK (8255) • Text IN To 741741 for suicide prevention • Call 211 Be Well Indiana helpline • Call 911 if in serious crisis • Mentalhealth.gov • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention A reminder to anyone searching for assistance: Know that you are not alone and help is available. Learn more about the Wellness Council of Indiana by visiting wellnessindiana.org or by scanning the QR code. Mental Health Resource Guide
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