Page 5 - The MILConnection: Fall 2021

Stay in control of your mental health

Every year since 1992, the World Federation of Mental Health has led the international community’s
observance of World Mental Health Day, a day set aside to promote awareness and understanding of
mental health issues. On October 10th, more than 150 countries, including the U.S., celebrated the
strides made in treatment and in reducing the social stigma associated with mental health challenges.
Recognizing the importance of good mental health on overall wellness, World Mental Health Day
also serves as an opportunity for participants to advocate for more and better mental healthcare
education.
MIL and experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agree that mental health
needs are vital to our wellbeing and should be spotlighted year-round. The CDC believes that
employers can serve a pivotal role in promoting awareness about the importance of mental health
and stress management. They note that workplace health promotion programs have proven to be
successful, especially when they combine mental and physical health interventions. They consider
the workplace as an optimal setting to create a culture of health because:
» Communication structures are already in place
» Programs and policies come from one central team
» Social support networks are available
» Employers can offer incentives to reinforce healthy behaviors, and
» Employers can use data to track progress and measure the effects

The mental and financial health link EAP
The CDC also reports that mental health challenges can also One way that MIL is joining the fight for robust mental
adversely affect our financial health too. According to their health is through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP),
studies, mental health issues affect businesses, and their WorkLifeMatters.
employees as poor mental health and stress can negatively affect: WorkLifeMatters is a confidential program that helps MIL
» Job performance and productivity employees face life challenges by providing guidance for personal
» Engagement with one’s work issues and information about other concerns that affect your life.
» Communication with coworkers WorkLifeMatters can offer help with the following areas:
» Physical capability and daily functioning » Education
» Mental illnesses such as depression are associated with higher » Dependent care & care giving
rates of disability and unemployment » Legal and financial
Further, they note that depression interferes with a person’s » Lifestyle & fitness management
ability to complete physical job tasks about 20 percent of the » Working smarter
time and reduces cognitive performance about 35 percent of the
time. Unfortunately, only 57 percent of employees who report Support is a phone call or click away. Through EAP, MIL
moderate depression, and 40 percent of those who report severe employees receive:
depression, receive treatment to control depression symptoms. » Unlimited free telephonic consultation with an EAP counselor
Even after taking other health risks—like smoking and obesity— available 24/7 at 800-386-7055
into account, employees at high risk of depression had the highest » Referrals to local counselors - up to three sessions free of
health care costs during the three years after an initial health risk charge
assessment.
» State of the art website featuring over 3,400 helpful articles and
topics like wellness, training courses, and a legal and financial
center: www.ibhworklife.com; User Name: Matters; Password:
wlm70101
Remember that mental health is essential to your overall health,
and we offer support if you need it. Never be afraid to reach out
for help.

Fall 2021 | The MIL Connection | 5