A new look at mental health
AXA’s 2024 Mental Health Report uses the term “Mind Health” rather than “mental illness” to emphasize the positive aim of the study: to help break down the stigma that still prevents many people from sharing their feelings or seeking medical help.
Mental health status
The general state of mental health in our populations is worrying. For every three people who feel fulfilled or are doing well in life, two are depressed or experiencing difficulties. The report shows that the proportion of people with mental health problems has returned to the levels of 2021, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Young people seem to be particularly hard hit, with a widening gap between men and women.
Barriers to better mental health
The report highlights that many people in need of mental health support are unaware of their need or are reluctant to seek professional help due to stigma. What’s more, people often don’t recognize work-related mental health problems – such as extreme fatigue, sleep deprivation and anxiety – as work-related. This disconnect between perception and reality offers an opportunity to raise awareness of a holistic approach to health and acceptance.
Impact on young people
The mental health of young people is not improving. According to the report, 39% of under-25s are experiencing “depression”, and 19% are struggling to cope. Young people are particularly concerned about addiction to technology, social networking, body image and uncertainty about the future. The main barriers to accessing care for young people include stigma and confidentiality concerns.
Mental health and work
The report reveals that 48% of workers consider that work has an impact on their mental health. However, less than a quarter attribute these problems to their work, indicating a significant disconnect. Common problems include severe fatigue, lack of sleep, stress and anxiety. For companies, it is essential to take a holistic view of employee well-being, taking into account both personal and professional factors.
Improvement strategies
To improve mental health at work, AXA recommends developing ten key competencies: emotional intelligence, responding to challenges, self-acceptance, self-confidence, connecting with others, resilience, close relationships, pride in achievements and maintaining physical health behaviors (nutrition, exercise, sleep, smoking, alcohol and personal time). Implementing comprehensive mental health programs and creating a supportive work environment can help employees thrive, which also benefits companies and the economy.
The economics of mental health in the workplace
The report highlights a clear business case for supporting employee mental health. Companies that invest in mental health initiatives can reduce absenteeism, increase productivity and improve employee engagement. More than half of employees consider the level of mental health support to be a key factor in their decision to stay with their company.
Conclusion
The AXA 2024 Mental Health Report highlights the importance of businesses prioritizing mental health. By creating supportive work environments and implementing comprehensive mental health programs, employers can help their employees thrive, resulting in a more engaged and productive workforce.
For full details on promoting better mental health at work, you can access the full report here.
At Yunova Pharma, we believe that employee well-being is essential to the collective success of any company. We are committed to helping companies create a working environment that supports everyone’s mental health. Join us at the conferences we organize in partnership with Mediatis-MCF and Suisscourtage.
