LET’S TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH:
Start the conversation. End stigma. Save lives.
Mental illness is a silent epidemic — and it’s affecting America’s workplaces. Untreated mental illnesses cost the U.S. at least $105 billion in lost productivity annually, according research by Harvard University Medical School.
1 in 5 adults will experience a diagnosable mental illness in any given year – more people than have diabetes or high blood pressure. Yet fewer than 50% of them receive treatment. Despite the availability of effective interventions, three out of five individuals with a mental illness do not receive any treatment. Estimates place the total economic cost of untreated behavioral health issues between $150 and $200 billion per year
Treatment works. And, it is cost effective. For example, according to a new study led by the World Health Organization, every US $1 invested in scaling up treatment for depression and anxiety leads to a return of US $4 in better health and ability to work. More than 80% of employees treated for mental illness report improved levels of work efficacy and satisfaction.
When employees receive effective treatment for mental illnesses, the result is lower total medical costs, increased productivity, lower absenteeism and decreased disability costs. The bottom line: investing in a mentally healthy workforce is good for business.
Unfortunately, few feel safe to acknowledge their struggles – especially to employers. Many don’t seek help because they fear judgment and discrimination.
Our Storytellers want to share their stories to change the culture of fear, isolation and discrimination and create workplaces of understanding, compassion and inclusion where no one will fear discrimination for suffering from a mental illness and everyone who needs care will receive it.
LET’S TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH is a comprehensive mental health awareness program to engage workplaces in a conversation about mental health and wellness.
If you are interested in scheduling this program in your workplace to start a conversation about mental health and wellbeing, please contact us at [email protected]
Together, we can create workplaces where everyone can realize their fullest potential.
THANK YOU! Your work, and the work of ASHA International, is truly inspiring.
The event we had on Tuesday is only the start….the beginning of an on-going conversation within Nike.
We would love for you to continue to be a part of that conversation, in whatever form it takes.
Thank you for your dedication to share a message of hope out into the world.
The program was eye-opening, informative and quite heartfelt.
The information was clear and spoke to the presenter’s ongoing struggle with this crippling disorder and put a human face on an issue that most of us either only read about or try to ignore when it happens to or around us.
I felt that the program and the discussion that followed helped my coworkers and me talk about mental health issues without the stigmas that, for whatever reason, still plague most conversations about mental health.
The more everyone discusses these tough issues the easier it will be for the afflicted to come forward for help, and the more receptive those in a position to help will be.