World Mental Health Day – Managing Stress in the Workplace

October 10^th is World Mental Health Day and this year’s theme is mental health in the workplace.  According to the World Health Organization, more than 300 million people globally live with depression, a leading cause of disability; and more than 260 million are living with anxiety disorders.  Many individuals live with both depression and anxiety and a recent WHO-led study estimates that these disorders cost the global economy one trillion US dollars each year in lost productivity. They may also live with other mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders, among others. Employment is important to independence and community living for people with mental health conditions, but they may face barriers to finding and maintaining employment. Among these is workplace stress.

Stress can trigger mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, and eating disorders. There are steps individuals can take to manage the effects of on-the-job stress, from self-care to reaching out for help:

• The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) provides tips to manage stress and anxiety at work to avoid or minimize symptom triggers, including practicing time management, communicating with managers, and taking breaks. More tips on managing anxiety at work.

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides information on how stress effects individuals, when individuals are vulnerable to stress, and the ways to reduce stress.  Tips on managing stress.  Additionally, the Mayo Clinic provides general tips on coping with stress at work.

• Mental Health America (MHA) provides suggestions on how to cope with depression at work including recognizing the signs of depression, finding treatment, practicing self-care, and anticipating workplace triggers.  More tips on how to cope with depression at work.

• Employers can help their employees, too. Human Resource managers can support employees with OCD—Learn more.  The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides information and resources for accommodations for individuals with psychiatric disabilities and mental health conditions.

The NIDILRR-funded Temple University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Community Living and Participation of Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities provides resources on community participation and inclusion for individuals with psychiatric disabilities including the publication, A Practical Guide for People with Mental Health Conditions who Want to Work, which includes strategies for long-term success at work.

Interested in more? Contact our information specialists at 800/346-2742 if we can help you find resources in our collection or in your community to create an inclusive workplace for people with mental health conditions.