Yon Hardisty

July 2024

Issue #3: Let's Take REAL Action Tackling Mental Health

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It's time to wake up and take action. Strong words? Maybe. But the data doesn't lie.

So many of our colleagues, friends, and family members are struggling right now with mental health challenges. And the mental health data isn't looking good. What we're seeing is a trend that is heading in the absolute wrong direction. Maybe this is due to political unrest, mounting debt, or simply a lack of personal or career growth, but one thing is certain...many of us are in trouble.

When you look at the number of individuals impacted with mental health challenges in this year alone, the numbers are staggering. In a recent study by the World Health Organization (WHO), they indicate that an estimated 12 billion working days are lost every year globally to depression and anxiety, costing companies worldwide $1 trillion per year in lost productivity.

While a loss in work productivity impacts our global economy, and this is a large concern, Healthtek is more worried about the individuals themselves.

Spotting someone that needs help is not easy and many employers (60%) according to a recent Lyra report labelled the "2024 Workforce Mental Health Trends & Forecast" believe that their employers have the necessary tools to train their managers. But Healthtek believes that most individuals won't approach their manager with their mental health issue. Instead, they try to tackle it on their own.

Balance or the lack there of, is tricky. Sure, friends and family can be a lifeline, however there needs to be something more. It's important, now more than ever before, to have access to real solutions that help us all find balance in our daily lives. Balancing "life" isn't easy, but there is real help in the market right now, but few know about it.

This is where Ari is making a REAL difference. But we need your help spreading the word.

​Ari is a lifeline into an individuals mental health crisis. For far too long, the intersection of mental health incidents has remained distressingly low, leaving countless individuals struggling in silence. The consequences have been devastating, with rising rates of depression, anxiety, and tragically, suicide – even among our youth. This crisis demands immediate, innovative action.

Ari is a powerful platform that guides personalized wellbeing, making mental health support not just accessible, but engaging and effective. Available 24/7 in 14 languages, Ari is more than a digital tool – it's a compassionate companion in the often overwhelming journey of seeking mental health support.

Ari's Key Features Are Saving Lives Using:

1. The Wellness Warehouse: A vast, curated database of over 10,000 mental health facilities, ensuring no one is left without options.
2. A Localized Service Directory: Connecting people with nearby support, eliminating barriers to access. It's search is hyper local, identifying a mental health facility near by ready to engage if a mental health issue occurs.
3. Seamless Integration: Bringing mental health resources directly into websites and company hubs, meeting people where they are. Anonymous in nature, removing any fear of shame or repercussions during access.
4. Live Help: Connecting Mental Health Emergency Services if deemed necessary.

If you want to get involved, reach out and continue reading into this episode where we're going to dive into groups that are making a REAL difference in their communities.

Yours Truly,
Yon Hardisty

In this issue:

Do Employer Mental Health Solutions Work? The Silent Healer Embracing the Power of Sleep Don't Miss! Wellbeing Wednesdays Actionable Steps for Employers To Tackle Mental Health Spotlight 2BCONTINUED

Today's issue sponsored by Healthtek Creative

We deliver transparent technology experiences to propel health populations forward.

Do Employer

Mental Health Solutions Work?

In a recent 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association, it was found that only 29% of employers provide an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), leaving 70.9 million workers in the U.S. with access to these vital resources. However, a July 2023 report from Amwell reveals a concerning trend: a staggering 85% of U.S. employees have not utilized their employer's mental health benefits. This highlights a significant gap between available support and employee engagement, underscoring the need for increased awareness and encouragement around mental health resources in the workplace.

EAPs have become a widespread benefit offered by employers, with significant market growth and adoption:

• The global EAP market was valued at around $6.8 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $9.4 billion by 2027, indicating substantial growth in the industry.
• In the UK, about 88% of employers offer an EAP, while in the US, approximately 73% of employers provide this benefit.
• Around 13.8 million employees in the UK are covered by an EAP.

However, despite their prevalence, EAPs face significant challenges with utilization and effectiveness:

Low Usage Rates:

• Only 5% of UK employees have actually accessed their company's EAP provider.
• In the US, a July 2023 report from Amwell found that 85% of employees have not used their employer's mental health benefits.

Limited Effectiveness:

• Only 5% of employees phone their EAP's call center, and 42% of callers who need therapy are rejected.
• This suggests that even when employees do reach out, they may not always receive the help they need.

Lack of Evaluation:

• 31% of UK companies have never evaluated the quality or impact of their EAP. In the US, the numbers are even worse.
• This lack of assessment may contribute to the continued use of ineffective programs.

Barriers to Access:

• Despite growing mental health awareness, there are still barriers preventing employees from utilizing EAPs.
• These may include stigma, lack of awareness about the services, concerns about confidentiality, or dissatisfaction with the quality of services offered.

Return on Investment (ROI):

• Despite low usage rates, employers are estimated to get an average ROI of $10.33 dollars per investment per person in an EAP, primarily due to reduced absenteeism and increased productivity.
• This suggests that even with low utilization, EAPs can still provide value to organizations.

Workplace Changes:

The EAP industry is evolving, with trends towards more holistic well-being approaches, greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion, and increased use of technology for service delivery.

These changes may help address some of the current limitations of EAPs.

While EAPs are widely available and potentially beneficial, there's a significant gap between their availability and actual utilization. Employers may need to focus on improving awareness, accessibility, and quality of EAP services to increase their effectiveness and usage rates. This is where Ari steps in and provides true, one-on-one support to individuals that are needing help with their mental health by discretely offering resources near their home without the need to get their employers involved.

Ari is unique in that it doesn't require human intervention to get access to help. Right now, Healthtek is offering Ari for FREE and can be fully branded with your business logo.

Let's face it, we all need to be more resilient and Ari is the first step towards this mission.

Learn About Ari →

The Silent Healer

Embracing the Power of Sleep

Quality Sleep is Vital Can we all agree that we all want sleep but often skip a full night’s sleep due to life’s constant demands. Distractions have increased tenfold and it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to get a good night sleep. We celebrate World Sleep Day which is an opportune time to reflect on the significance of this silent healer and its profound impact on our overall well-being. Recent findings have shed light on the alarming consequences of disrupted sleep patterns. Studies reveal that inadequate sleep not only impairs cognitive functions but also wreaks havoc on our physical health. From heightened stress levels to increased risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, the toll of sleep deprivation is undeniable. Moreover, researchers have linked poor sleep to mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, underscoring the intricate connection between mind and body. As we commemorate World Sleep Day, let's pledge to reclaim our relationship with sleep. Let's cultivate bedtime rituals that signal to our bodies it's time to unwind—a hot cup of herbal tea, a soothing meditation, or simply disconnecting from screens an hour before bed. Let's create sleep-friendly environments conducive to relaxation, free from distractions and noise pollution. Furthermore, let's advocate for systemic changes that prioritize sleep health on a societal level. From workplace policies that promote work-life balance to educational initiatives that teach the importance of sleep hygiene, we have the power to reshape our cultural narrative surrounding sleep. In the words of the Dalai Lama, “Sleep is the best meditation." So, let’s heed this wisdom and embrace the transformative power of sleep. By honoring our bodies’ need for rest, we not only enhance our individual well-being but also contribute to a world where vitality and resilience are valued above mere productivity. Let’s awaken to the profound potential that lies within the embrace of a good night’s sleep.

Read More →

Actionable Steps for Employers

To Tackle Mental Health

Employers of all sizes often state, "Mental health isn't our primary focus but we do offer a standard solution." We've heard this time and time again where employers stand up a half baked solution in supporting employee mental health.

What we've found is that by supporting employee mental health, you actually create a more productive work environment. While many companies offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and other mental health benefits, the key to truly effective support lies in creating a comprehensive, accessible, and stigma-free mental health ecosystem within the workplace. Here are a few suggestions that you can put into place without a huge cost burden to your organization.

Creating a Culture of Wellbeing

1. Lead by Example: Encourage leadership to openly discuss mental health and share their own experiences. This helps normalize conversations around mental wellbeing.
2. Regular Check-ins: Implement regular, informal check-ins between managers and employees to discuss workload, stress levels, and any support needed.
3. Flexible Work Arrangements: Offer flexible working hours or remote work options to help employees better manage their work-life balance.

Expanding Access to Support

1. Diverse Resources: Provide a range of mental health resources, including in-person counseling, virtual therapy options, mindfulness apps, and self-help tools.
2. Peer Support Programs: Train employees to become mental health first aiders or peer supporters, creating an internal support network.
3. Community Partnerships: Collaborate with local mental health organizations to offer on-site workshops, seminars, or support groups. Healthtek offers many community programs at no cost to employers.

Proactive Mental Health Initiatives

1. Wellness Challenges: Organize company-wide wellness challenges that focus on mental health, such as meditation or gratitude journaling. Healthtek offers FREE Mindfulness Monday's and Wellness Wednesday's accessible every week to anyone that wants to join.
2. Mental Health Days: Implement dedicated mental health days, allowing employees to take time off specifically for their mental wellbeing without using sick leave.
3. Stress Management Training: Offer regular workshops on stress management, resilience building, and work-life balance.

Measuring Impact and Continuous Improvement

1. Anonymous Surveys: Conduct regular, anonymous surveys to gauge employee mental health and the effectiveness of current initiatives.
2. Feedback Mechanisms: Create channels for employees to provide suggestions and feedback on mental health support programs.
3. Data-Driven Decisions: Use collected data and feedback to continually refine and improve mental health initiatives.

By taking a holistic approach to mental health support, employers can create a work environment that truly prioritizes employee wellbeing. This not only benefits individual employees but also contributes to a more productive, engaged, and resilient workforce.

Remember, the goal is to create a supportive ecosystem where seeking help for mental health is as normal and accessible as seeking help for physical health. By fostering such an environment, companies can make real, lasting impacts on their employees' lives and overall organizational health.

Don't Miss!

Wellbeing Wednesday's

Where Facebook or Zoom When Every Wednesday at 4 PM PST Connect Online (Zoom) With Counselor Bev

Join us at 4:00 P.M. PST for Wellbeing Wednesday, where we support individuals facing mental health challenges. It's free to join so please offer this to your clients.

Join Us →

2BCONTINUED

​2BCONTINUED's mission is to increase awareness of suicide prevention, mental health & wellness through advocacy, education and outreach.

2B CONTINUED was founded in memory of Shelly “Teuby” (pronounced 2B) Teubert. She is remembered for being a passionate mental health nurse, as well as a hospice and homecare nurse. She cared for patients with great compassion and empathy. Shelly touched many hearts and saved many lives throughout her career. This is Shelly’s legacy…2B CONTINUED

“After my sister’s death, I was determined to gain a better understanding about mental health and raise awareness for suicide prevention. In doing so, I have shared my story and connected with other people who also have been touched by suicide loss. These connections have been therapeutic for my personal grief recovery. People have told me that others have also benefited from my efforts. I believe it is important to talk about mental health. Anyone can play a role in suicide prevention. Together we can make a difference.

Annual ED Conference Into Suicide Prevention and Mental Health

2BCONTINUED is focusing on "Awareness into Action" with it's annual conference at the Glencoa City Center in Glencoe, MN on Tuesday, September 24th, 2024. This is a powerful conference educating employers and individuals about methods and resources to tackle suicide prevention and mental health.

To learn more or to get involved with 2BCONTINUED and their mission, visit https://www.2bcontinued.org/​