By Lisa Desai, Director of Behavioral Health Consulting, MindWise Innovations
Mental Health Spotlight
COVID-19 and Construction
Behavioral Health in our Present & Future Workforce As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, mental health remains a very important safety and health topic. The following article is a behavioral health update from our partner, MindWise Innovations.
I
n our Winter 2020
face the impact of a global
across age, ethnic and racial
Leader magazine article,
pandemic recognizing
groups (U.S. Census Bureau).
we discussed the role
behavioral health struggles
of early identification
and providing resources are
and workplace resources for addressing behavioral health problems, as well as the need to reduce stigma regarding mental health and substance misuse through informed dialogue. We recognized that a psychologically safe work environment creates the foundation to hold uncomfortable, yet impactful conversations about behavioral health. Mental illness and substance misuse are treatable. As individuals
effective actions that can be
MindWise Research In the last six months,
taken on an individual and
MindWise conducted surveys
systemic level. Since March,
and polls assessing the impact
health and financial problems
of COVID-19 on businesses.
due to the pandemic have
In one instance 45 percent
resulted in increased levels
of businesses endorsed that,
of stress and uncertainly for
“employee mental health is an
individuals and families. For
extremely important part of
some, the U.S. national unrest has intensified concerns about one’s wellbeing and presents unique challenges.
Impact of COVID-19 and Quarantine
According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey, 45 percent of American adults report that their mental health has been negatively impacted
their culture,” with 20 percent saying they’re starting to see a need to offer more education and resources. Regarding the impact of the pandemic, 30 percent of employers are concerned that returning to work and re-opening plans during COVID-19 will increase employee anxiety. Fifty-five percent are concerned not only about employee anxiety, but also racial
by worry and stress due to
equality and diversity, and
coronavirus. U.S. Census
job/financial insecurity.
Bureau statistics reveal that the impact of the pandemic is felt more significantly by some age groups: 42 percent of 18-29 year olds reported anxiety, while 36 percent reported depression. Among
36
Leader—Autumn 2020
Behavioral Health, Mental Health, Mental Illness— What’s the Difference? Mental health is defined by
the World Health Organization
those aged 30-39, 34 percent
as a state of wellbeing in
reported anxiety and 28 percent
which people realize their
depression. Further the national
own potential, can cope
unrest in the United States has
with the normative stresses
contributed additional concerns
of life, derive satisfaction vpppa.org
