Email message 2
To:Employees
From:Your Work-Site Nurse
Date:May 2017
Subject:Be proactive to prevent and treat the leading cause of disability
Pop Quiz: What is the leading cause of disability worldwide?
Back pain? No.
Industrial injury? Nope.
Are you ready for it? Depression. That’s not a typo. Depression is the leading cause of disability in the world.
Like other aspects of your health, mental health issues are usually easier to treat and more successfully and effectively managed if diagnosed and treated in the early stages. Unfortunately, many of us weren’t raised to recognize the signs of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues and often don’t realize what’s happening or deny the problem for far too long.
The fact that a prevailing stigma keeps people from talking about mental health issues may also give the impression that you’re the only one who “can’t pull it together.”
In reality, one in four adults – approximately 26% – is living with some form of mental illness. The most common mental health conditions for adults are anxiety disorders and depression.
If you are struggling with feelings of depression or anxiety, get the help you need and deserve:
- Primary Care Provider – If you’re not in immediate danger, take the time to talk to your doctor about your feelings and concerns. Your family doctor is a great resource for helping you sort out what is going on and figuring out next steps. To schedule an appointment, call 24/7 Nurse On Call at 1-800-528-7883.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Check to see if your company benefits include an employee assistance program. Most mid-sized and large companies do provide this confidential resource.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Text HOPELINE to 741741 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for immediate assistance and support.
If you’d like to help others cope more effectively with mental health issues, consider taking QPR Training (Question, Persuade, Refer) through the Brown County Coalition for Suicide Prevention.