More than three in four U.S. employees (76%) have dealt with issues negatively affecting their mental health, according to a new survey from the American Health Association (AHA).
The survey examined the effects of mental health in the workplace and the need for more awareness and resources for workers.
“With so many of our employees managing mental health conditions, it is our obligation to provide effective intervention and prioritize treating mental health on the same level as physical health,” Johnson & Johnson Chairman and CEO Alex Gorsky said in a statement.
Despite 42% of respondents indicating a mental health disorder diagnosis, many fail to seek help because of social stigma and discrimination. Almost all workers (96%) agree that mental health is as important as physical health, according to the AHA.
There has been growing awareness in recent years about the fact that mental health disorders can affect anyone. Roughly 43.8 million U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
“Like chronic diseases, mental health conditions are treatable," said Nancy Brown, AHA CEO. "Employers can create supportive and healthy work environments and provide innovative resources that enhance their employee’s overall physical and mental health and general well-being. We hope all employers will join us to promote mental health.”