Mental illness is one of the most important issues to be addressed in companies. In the past few decades, the number of patients with mental and depressive disorders has increased.
The numbers are growing both in the general population and in the professional sphere. Because of this, companies have been looking for effective ways to deal with and reverse this scenario.
There are many diseases that fit the list of mental problems. To be able to act, it is necessary to know what are the most common diseases, how to identify them and what actions should be taken by companies. Follow this article and learn all about mental illnesses!
The most common mental illnesses
The list of psychological or psychiatric illnesses listed in the International Disease Code (ICD-10) is extensive. However, there is a prevalence of certain manifestations.
Data on the most common diseases are divergent. The first problem is the identification of the disorder by the patient. Many people are reluctant to accept that they have a problem, so the statistics may not correspond to reality.
According to data from the Pan American Health Organization, the most common mental illnesses in the world are:
Depression: the main characteristics of this disease are sadness, loss of interest, extreme tiredness and lack of concentration;
Bipolar Affective Disorder: characterized by mood swings. The patient oscillates between periods of depression and mania;
Schizophrenia and other psychoses: it is a distortion of the “I” and everything that represents us, causing delusions and hallucinations;
Dementia: can be chronic or progressive. It is characterized by the deterioration of cognitive function;
Developmental disorders, including autism: are delays in the maturation of the central nervous system.
Data on mental illness
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in four individuals will be affected by some mental illness during their lifetime. The concern is so great that, in 2013, the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020 was approved.
When analyzed geographically, Latin America has around 26.7% of the population with some mental disorder.
In relation to workers, it is estimated that between 30% and 40% of employed individuals worldwide have some mental illness. According to the organization, 20% to 25% of the population will develop some disorder.
Due to the changes that society has undergone, especially with the advancement of technology, the concern about mental illness has grown. It is not yet known how the information society will affect individuals and what the consequences will be on mental health.
The identification of mental illness
All mental illnesses need proper treatment from a psychiatric hospital. But for that to happen, there needs to be an identification of the problem first.
Each disease has its own characteristics. However, some general tips can be adopted in order to check if there is a problem with an employee:
Watch for sudden mood swings
One of the most common symptoms of mental illness is oscillation. Analyze how people behave. Since we spend most of our time in the workplace, it may be easier for a colleague to identify a problem than for others;
Check for changes in sleep and concentration
Another very common symptom that is easy to identify is a change in sleep. If the employee starts sleeping in the middle of the day or starts to deliver projects with errors, this may indicate a problem;
Assess unexplained absences and constant delays
Lack of motivation due to mental illness can lead to repeated absences and delays. When a collaborator is in this situation, try to talk to him.
It is worth mentioning that these characteristics are not exclusive to mental illnesses. The ideal is for the company to create activities that promote self-knowledge and destigmatize mental illnesses.
Tips and solutions
To assist employees, the company may take some steps. These are simple situations to be adopted routinely.
Break paradigms
The first step is the most important. There is still a lot of stigmas in relation to mental illness, which leads many people to not seek proper treatment.
The company must be in an open environment for the matter. Diseases must be addressed naturally, and employees must know that there is nothing wrong with having a mental disorder.
Motivate conversation and experience sharing. The more we talk about the subject, the greater the chance of it becoming something considered normal, stimulating the search for treatment.
Explain mental illness
Many people do not understand mental disorders and believe that this is a “crazy people” problem. Therefore, it is important to explain what are the diseases, their origins and their treatments.
It is possible to use internal mail to disseminate a text on the topic; notice boards and other options. However, lectures and conversations are usually more efficient, as they require employees to stop and listen to the topic.
Create moments of reflection on the subject and always bring more material. Everything that is not reinforced is forgotten.
Develop a healthier environment
In addition to actions to identify mental illnesses, it is important to work on preventing the problem. No matter how stressful the job, it is possible to offer a healthier environment.
Talk to the team about task overload issues. Addressing burnout is essential for employees to understand how important it is to have boundaries set.
Also, make certain issues, such as harassment, seriously. Instruct employees and create an open environment for dialogue. This favors when you need to talk to the employee about the need for him to consult a specialist.
Companies must increasingly adopt a policy of valuing mental health. Developing activities that allow an improvement in the quality of life of the worker, while guaranteeing a healthier environment, is an essential attitude in the fight against mental illnesses.
