Mental health fallout

摘要

Even before the pandemic, according to the National Alliance on Mental Health, 43.8 million people experience mental health issues in any given year, including millions in the workplace. Approximately 10 million experience a "serious mental illness." The costs associated with these mental health issues in the workplace are estimated to exceed $100 billion per year. Still, it may be years before we see the full effects of pandemic-related changes to the daily existence on mental health. Reports are surfacing about the psychological impact of school closures on school-aged children. A recent report cited a 31% increase in mental health visits to the emergency room among teenagers. Unfortunately, the mental health issues that may have been precipitated by school closures could have long-term effects. Many parents have had to confront similarly stressful circumstances. Parents, as workers, have had to deal with COVID-19 anxiety and the risk posed to them and their families over workplace exposure to the virus. Uncertainty about workplace changes, the future of their jobs, their company, and the ability to be able to provide for their families will take its toll on workers' mental health.