3 tools for reducing the mental health stigma
September 13, 2013 1:02 PM
The Disability Management Employer Coalition says companies can do more to help workers get help with depression and other behavioral health issues that can sometimes eventually lead to suicide. Suicide is among the top 20 causes of death worldwide, often striking the young. Here are three ways employers can help reduce the stigma sometimes associated with getting help for mental health issues.
1. Educate on your EAP
The Disability Management Employer Coalition says 97% of employers have some kind of employee assistance program, but do the workers know about how it can help them? Employers must do a better job of communicating the services they provide, the DMEC says, and, crucially, that use is confidential and has no impact on an employees work status just like any other health care.
2. Increase screening
In addition to identifying potential issues early, the DMEC reports, screening tools which are increasingly available to small companies as well as large ones can help monitor depression and stress over time. Better adherence to treatment programs and improved results with abuse of narcotics and alcohol can also come with more population screening.
3. Offer psychotherapy as part of workers comp
Those receiving workers compensation are especially susceptible to depression, a major risk factor for suicide, the DMEC says. Several workers' compensation payers are already employing one of the leading forms of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, which has been shown to alter unproductive and even dangerous behaviors.
