Mental health in the workplace is not a new concern, but it is a subject that demands constant attention, evolution, and equipped hands-on deck for effective intervention.
It’s a crucial domain that all too often walks a fine line between organizational strategies for staff wellbeing and the need for direct, empathetic response in the face of a crisis.
Mental Health at Work
Employers, risk managers, and HR professionals continually grapple with the complexities of mental health issues in the workplace.
In the domain of high-risk industries, where we often witness heightened levels of stress and potentially traumatic working conditions, creating and carrying out a robust mental health crisis intervention plan are not just beneficial but necessary.
Setting the Stage for Crises at Work
Mental health crises arrive unannounced, often uninvited, and conveniently untimely.
Several factors can trigger them, be it the high-pressure environment of a financial institution or the assembly line of a manufacturing plant; signs of distress can remain camouflaged.
Yet, as statistics resound, they’re neither invisible nor rare.
For the working population, the prevalence of anxiety and depression tells a gripping story. According to a WHO-led study, depression and anxiety result in a global economic loss exceeding $1 trillion each year.
It’s a hidden danger that costs businesses money and creates fear and instability at work.
The Impact of Mental Health in Occupational Health
As shocking as it may sound, up to 60% of employees who experience a work-related injury might have encountered behavioral health symptoms before the injury.
With most employers unaware of their employees past mental health history and employees often preferring not to disclose such information for fear of judgment, dealing with mental health issues often becomes a solitary battle.
These struggles can significantly affect physical health and impact work performance.
Mental Health Crisis Intervention: A Case in Point
A recent case involving a 24-year-old male assembler in the manufacturing industry is a prime example of Axiom Medical’s unique approach.
The young man, who sustained an elbow strain injury at work, revealed he had been suffering from PTSD after serving in combat in Afghanistan, further complicated by ADHD and passive suicidal ideations at the time of the injury.
After a dual physical + mental health assessment, he was referred to Axiom Medical’s Behavioral Health services.
The immediate crisis intervention and support provided to him potentially saved his life and provided much-needed help in a time of severe distress.
The Axiom Value
This unique dual health assessment approach employed by Axiom Medical has proven to be highly effective.
Its value is tremendous—not only does it help employees in need, but it also helps employers by potentially reducing costs related to work injuries and boosting overall employee well-being.
For those interested in a deeper exploration of how Axiom Medical’s innovative approach to mental health crisis intervention can make a tangible difference within the workforce, we invite you to download the full case study.
Access your copy and learn how Axiom Medical’s unique dual assessment can be critical to your organizational health strategy.
Axiom Medical’s Behavioral Health Solution
Axiom Medical is redefining workplace safety and wellness by adopting a holistic approach that values physical and psychological health.
Our unique solution combines a physical health assessment with a mental and behavioral health assessment, including the K6 psychological distress scale, to ensure comprehensive care.
This proactive approach addresses immediate health concerns and supports long-term recovery, reducing OSHA recordability outcomes, workers’ comp claims, employee turnover, and burnout.
Expanding on this holistic model, Axiom introduces Tempo Live, a revolutionary feature within the Axiom Medical app that offers real-time health monitoring and support to enhance employee wellness and productivity.
With 24/7 access to health professionals, Tempo Live supports employee mental health, ultimately fostering a healthier, more productive workforce.
This innovative solution marks a significant advancement in occupational health services, underscoring Axiom Medical’s commitment to a safer, integrated approach to workplace health.
Obtain Skills for Mental Health Crisis Intervention
Are you prepared to deepen your knowledge and improve your mental health crisis intervention skills?
Tune into this free webinar replay from Axiom Medical: “First Response: Mental Health Strategies for Crisis Intervention‘” for an engaging discussion loaded with essential insights and strategies.
Seize this chance to enhance your understanding and skills in managing mental health crises.
By actively engaging in this learning opportunity, you’ll become a pivotal support figure in critical moments and foster a broader culture of mental wellness and empathy.
Charli Pedersen is a published writer featured on Axiom Medical’s blog. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English, Professional and Technical Writing, and has experience creating content for businesses and non-profit organizations.