Depression and anxiety lead to 150,000 absences from work

The mental health expert describes the main agents associated with the onset of these diseases

An investigation by the Ministry of Social Security shows that depression and anxiety were responsible for 149.3 thousand temporary disability benefits, in Brazil, in 2023 – in the extract relating to the main causes of absence from work.

In this scenario, data from the Fundação Getúlio Vargas, the previous year, revealed that 63% of professionals with some mental disorder did not receive support from their leaders to deal with the problem and that 48% believe that companies care little or none of the problem. worker well-being.

“Indeed, these FGV data are in line with the findings of our research on over 100,000 workers, demonstrating that social support in the workplace is the most important factor in protecting and promoting mental health. The problem is that there are still many prejudices linked to mental illnesses, especially at work. We must break down this stigma to make diagnosis and treatment accessible to all. This will result in less suffering for workers and greater work productivity,” comments Wagner Gattaz, psychiatrist and CEO of the consultancy firm Gattaz Health & Results.

Low level of well-being

The impact of these mental disorders may be even greater when considering undiagnosed people and presenteeism, a circumstance in which a person maintains their presence at work, but is unable to fully devote themselves to their responsibilities. Professionals with low levels of well-being have 33% lower productivity than those with high scores.

With a career dedicated to strengthening mental health at work, Dr. Gattaz points out that 33% of people consider work to be the main trigger for depression.

“It’s not surprising. Work is one of the areas of life in which we spend the most time. However, conflicts at work are often not the cause, but a consequence of depression. Consequence of irritability, decreased productivity,” says Wagner.

The most common mental health factors that lead to worker absence include:

• Mixed anxiety and depressive disorder;

• Depressive episodes;

• Severe depressive episode without psychotic symptoms;

• Generalized anxiety;

• Recurrent depressive disorder;

• Severe current episode without psychotic symptoms;

• Moderate depressive episode.

Temporary disability benefit

Granted by the National Institute of Social Security (INSS), the temporary disability allowance is intended for people who need to be absent from work for more than 15 days due to illness.

The doctor highlights the importance of paying attention to the mental health of employees both in building organizational culture and in the form of company benefits.

“The most effective protective factors for mental health are worker autonomy; objective and non-violent communication; and social support – the feeling of belonging to a community in which mutual cooperation exists”.

According to him, specific mental health programs can contribute in parallel by promoting company mapping for the diagnosis of workers, identifying sectors with greater propensity for mental disorders and improving leadership.

“Mental illnesses are widespread, cause suffering to the population and also generate high costs. It is estimated that the global cost of mental illness will reach $6 trillion by 2030. Acting through preventative measures and, when necessary, treatments can make employees healthier and, consequently, increase productivity and reduce costs with absenteeism, presenteeism and subsidized medical care,” he concludes.

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Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.