Mental health has always been an important aspect of overall well-being, but recently, mental health issues have become increasingly prevalent among people from all walks of life, including all age groups, backgrounds, races, and cultures, as statistics show a rising trend in individuals suffering from various forms of mental conditions.
Therefore, it is of paramount importance to address this issue and develop strategies to improve mental health in order to ensure that people can live happier, more fulfilled lives.
This article will take an in-depth analysis of the current mental health statistics, identify potential reasons for the increase in mental health illnesses, and suggest methods to enhance the overall quality of life of those affected by mental health concerns.
Mental Health: The Most Important Statistics
11.2% of children in the UK reside in households where at least one of their parents has gone through emotional hardship, and 47.5% of these households also endure financial difficulties.
50% of the Millennial and 75% of the Gen Z generations left their jobs due to mental health issues than other generations.
What are mental health issues?
Mental health is a complex and multi-faceted concept that is not only related to an individual’s psychological well-being, which can range from mild to severe, but also their physical health.
Mental health disorders can manifest in various ways and can include bipolar illness, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, and substance misuse, to name a few.
All of these issues have a great potential to interfere with a person’s capacity to operate in society and can be both debilitating and crippling.
General statistics about mental health
The statistics on mental health issues are alarming, with an estimated 450 million people worldwide dealing with a mental health condition, with 25% of them expected to suffer from mental health issues all of their lives, according to research conducted by Carbonell et al. in 2020.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), major depression is costing Americans dearly in terms of productivity and economic losses.
A study conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration suggests that parental mental health conditions can have a lasting effect on their children, resulting in an intergenerational cycle of mental health issues.
The Irish Times in 2021 showed that two-thirds of workers are highly reluctant to disclose their mental health concerns to their employers.
A study of over 250 mental health apps published in 2019 found that the most popular apps were focused on self-help, education, and relaxation.
22% of mothers experience symptoms of depression during pregnancy, and it can have long-term effects on their children.
The mental health market is expecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.5% from 2020 to 2030.
Mental health productivity in the workplace
Mental health issues can have far-reaching consequences and take a heavy toll on the individual, their family, and society as a whole, leading to decreased productivity at work or school, a reduced focus on goals and objectives, and a diminished quality of life.
Even while mental health is increasingly being acknowledged, there remains a strong stigma around it in the workplace. Employees reported that they are feeling criticised and ashamed for having mental health concerns, which can hinder them from getting the assistance they require.
In the UK, 40% of employees said that their jobs directly contributed to their bad mental health.
Another survey found that 50% of the Millennial and 75% of the Gen Z generations left their jobs due to mental health issues than older generations. Therefore, it can result in financial difficulties and even homelessness.
It is estimated, according to the WHO following a study conducted in 2022, that $1 trillion of economic output is lost each year due to mental health issues, creating a substantial burden on employers and employees alike.
A survey made by The Irish Times in 2021 showed that two-thirds of workers in Ireland are highly reluctant to disclose their mental health concerns to their employers, which could easily lead to a lack of proper support and treatment, thus exacerbating the problem.
The following section will tackle the measures that can be implemented in order to alleviate the burden of mental health on the workforce.
How to improve mental health in terms of productivity?
Taking a proactive approach to improving mental health can have a huge impact on productivity. According to a survey conducted by the American Psychiatric Association, 73% of employers opted to invest in mental health programs and resources rather than hire outside help.
Providing programs that promote good mental health, including access to counselling services, stress management training, and employee assistance programs. Going the extra mile by offering flexible working hours, allowing remote work, and providing workplace activities.
All of the aforementioned measures can help employees better manage their time, overcome stress levels, and maintain a healthy mind. Such measures can make a tangible difference in reducing turnover rates and increasing morale, ultimately leading to the establishment of a more successful and productive workforce.
Mental health in the family
Mental health within the family is just as vital, if not more so. It is undeniably true that factors such as family structure, parent-child interactions, and parental mental health can all have an influence on the mental health of children.
11.2% of children in the UK reside in households where at least one of their parents has gone through emotional hardship, and 47.5% of these households also endure financial difficulties.
It has been found that 22% of mothers experience symptoms of depression during pregnancy, which is cause for alarm, as this can have an adverse impact on the well-being of both mother and child.
Statistics showed that children living in single-parent households were more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues than those who lived with both parents.
Furthermore, long working hours, stress, and conflicts widen the gap between parents and children, leaving the latter more vulnerable to mental health problems.
Thus, it is imperative for parents to invest in spending quality time with children, engaging in meaningful conversations, and providing the support they need. This can go a long way in promoting mental health and coping with life’s challenges for kids and parents alike.
Mental health issues in the technology industry
The technology industry has also seen a growing awareness of mental health issues in recent years.
Employees in this industry are more prone to developing stress-related mental health issues such as burnout due to the nature of their jobs, which often require long hours and constant innovation. Statistics found that over 80% of tech workers have experienced a mental crisis, and this number is only expected to rise in the coming years.
According to a LinkedIn survey conducted in 2019, 67% of tech professionals in the United States reported feeling overwhelmed and stressed out of their jobs with no end in sight, which led to mental disorders.
Check out our latest Work Stress Statistics
In addition, the strict deadlines of tech workers have resulted in tech professionals feeling detached from their home lives, leading to a lack of self-care, which can aggravate the mental health condition. Moreover, the uncertainty and instability of the tech industry are another major factor that contributes to mental health issues.
Mental health communication
Mental health communication plays a crucial role in cultivating an open and safe work environment, and any shortage of effective interaction can lead to a breakdown in workplace relationships and a misunderstanding between peers and colleagues.
A survey made by Mind in 2019 pointed out that over 70% of employees feel that their mental health has been adversely affected by the lack of communication during the pandemic because of social isolation.
It also revealed that 56% of employees had difficulties sharing their concerns with their team.
In addition, 82% claimed that their managers were not a source of support for their mental health issues, creating a negative work environment that heavily impacted their well-being.
To ensure that employees have a healthy return to work after a prolonged period away, companies should strive to create a supportive and trusting environment, as well as an atmosphere of understanding by fostering communication between all parties.
This can be accomplished through mental training for managers, an open-door policy that encourages employees to express their distress and feel safe doing so, and regular feedback from workers on how they feel about their work setting.
ICT contribution to mitigating mental health problems
ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology.
In order to combat mental health disorders and mitigate their repercussions, mental health apps such as MoodKit, Headspace, Talkspace, and many others have been developed to provide a sense of security and much-needed support to individuals.
According to statistics by Grand View Research, Inc, the market for mental health apps is expanding rapidly, with analysis projecting that it will be valued at more than USD 8.73 billion by 2030. The market is expecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.5% from 2020 to 2030.
And this enormous rise may be linked to the growing awareness of the significance of mental health and its knock-on effects, the adoption of cutting-edge healthcare IT services, and the steadily increasing population of smartphone users.
ICT can be leveraged to improve mental health in a number of ways. This includes using ICT to provide online sources, such as interactive self-help tools and educational materials, to improve mental health awareness.
A study of over 250 mental health apps published in 2019 found that the most popular apps were focused on self-help, education, and relaxation.
Additionally, ICT can be used to provide remote therapy to those living in rural areas or those unable to physically attend in-person appointments, as well as empower them to gain a wider understanding of mental health issues.
This is further demonstrated by the high percentage of success indicated by statistics, which showed that 87.3% of participants reported a positive impact from the resource they accessed.
Conclusion
Given the fact that mental health is as important as physical health for leading a fulfilling and healthy life, it is important to mention that mental health issues should be addressed carefully and with a holistic approach.
Whether that is through technology-based resources or more traditional methods, such as talking to a mental health professional or resorting to a loved one, it is essential that people get the support they need eventually.
References
WHO (World Health Organisation): “Mental health in work”, cited in February 2023 (Source)
Mental Health Foundation: “Mental health at work: statistics”, cited in February 2023 (Source)
The Irish Times: “Survey finds 70% of workers fear disclosing mental health issue to employer”, cited in February 2023 (Source)
HBR (Harvard Business review): “It’s a new era for Mental Health at Work”, cited in February 2023 (Source)
News Medical Life Sciences: “What are the Current Challenges in Mental Health Disorder Diagnosis?”, cited in February 2023 (Source)
Mind Share Partners: “We Need A New Kind Of Business Leader: Why 50% Of Millennial And 75% of Gen-Z Workers Have Lefts Jobs”, cited in February 2023 (Source)
Mental Health Foundation: “Family and parenting: statistics”, cited in February 2023 (Source)
GOV.UK: “Official Statistics: Methodology and supporting information: children living with parents in emotional distress, 2021 update”, cited in February 2023 (Source)
Healthline: “13 Best Mental Health Apps to Use in 2022”, cited in February 2023 (Source)
LinkedIn: “Mental Health – A Major Concern in the Tech Industry”, cited in February 2023 (Source)
Grand View Research: “Mental Health Apps Market Size, Share & Growth Report, 2030”, cited in February 2023 (Source)
FirstUp: “The impact of communication on mental health and why return to work is the moment for change”, cited in February 2023 (Source)
Brookings: “How can information and technology communication be leveraged to improve mental health?”, cited in February 2023 (Source) ”
