The risk of depression for US workers has risen an alarming 102% since February, according to findings from Total Brain’s Mental Health Index. The escalating threat of employees developing depressive mood disorder shows little sign of abating, confirmed the Index. Between the months of June and July alone, the risk of depression among the country’s employees climbed a staggering 31%.
In fact, findings from the leading mental health and brain performance self-monitoring and self-care platform, reveals that millennials are amongst the most emotionally vulnerable group. Working Americans aged between 20 and 39 have a 101% higher risk of depression, and a 132% greater risk of general anxiety disorder, compared to their middle-aged counterparts (ages 40-59). They also have a 305% higher risk of depression than their baby boomer colleagues (ages 60+), notes the index.
EMPLOYEE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
According to Garen Staglin, Chairman of One Mind at Work, “The most recent data shows the increasing urgency for employers to take seriously the mental health of their workforce. The significant increase in risk for depression among millennials is a reminder that those in their late 20s and 30s are experiencing even more adverse mental health effects from the pandemic than other age ranges. Workplaces have unique opportunities to support their employees’ wellbeing and we hope this data is a catalyst for more action.”
“With the resurgence of the virus in July, it is clear that we will not be getting back to normal any time soon,” added Michael Thompson, President and CEO of the National Alliance. “That realisation has led to a surge in people with depression particularly in our younger population.”
Millennials have also suffered more financially and digitally as a result of Covid-19, and are in most need of a digital detox, according to recent research from healthinsurance.com (as reported earlier this week).
ALARMING STATISTICS
The alarming statistics come on the heels of new CDC data, which reveals that one in four young adults say they have considered suicide in the past month because of the coronavirus. “It has been more than five months since the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic,” noted Louis Gagnon, CEO of Total Brain. “People are experiencing sustained elevation in stress and anxiety levels like never before. The fact that the risk of developing clinical depression continues to escalate at such a disturbing rate comes as little surprise. Depression is the manifestation of months of chronic stress and anxiety overload.”
Adding to his comments Chuck Columbus, CEO, American Health Policy Institute, stated: “COVID-19 is only accelerating an already alarming mental health crisis in the US Findings from the Mental Health Index underscore the need to boldly rethink the delivery of behavioural health services. We are excited to join this collaboration and support such an important and relevant issue.”
The Mental Health Index is distributed in partnership with the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, One Mind at Work, and the newest coalition members, the HR Policy Association and its American Health Policy Institute.
Check out the key findings from Total Brain’s Mental Health Index here.
Sign up for our newsletter
