Work: the blows for anxiety and depression grows

Work: the blows for anxiety and depression grows


Brazil faces an unprecedented mental health crisis, reflected directly in the labor market. The cases increased by 68% by 2024 on the basis of the data of the Ministry of Social Security, over 470,000 workers were removed from mental disorders by 2024. This number represents a 68% increase compared to the previous year. The trend is a result […]

Brazil faces an unprecedented mental health crisis, reflected directly in the labor market. Cases increased by 68% by 2024

According to data from the Ministry of Social Security, over 470,000 workers were fired from mental disorders in 2024. This number represents a 68% increase compared to the previous year. The trend is the result of several factors, including the prolonged effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, greater pressure on the company environment, the economic difficulties and the accelerated rhythm of the work.




Work and mental illness: a worrying scenario

CEO Amanda Carvalhal, which operates in the offshore sector and specializes in business management, explains that this scenario is even more demanding for companies in this field, especially in the oil and gas sector. “Offshore employees face long working hours, isolated environments and high stress. Furthermore, the distance from the family aggravates mental health, since the employee is often far away while dealing with problems such as sick or family children. This generates a sense of impotence and intensifies psychological suffering”, says Amanda.

A study published in the magazine Journal of Occupational Health Psychology He stressed that offshore workers have a significantly greater probability of developing anxiety and depression than professionals who work in urban environments. Risk factors are social isolation and intense routine.

A silent problem

Another crucial point, according to Amanda Carvalhal, is that leaders face difficulty in identifying the signs of mental disorders in employees. “Many of these problems are calm and stigma still makes some employees try to hide what they feel. This makes it essential that managers receive training to identify the first signs.”

Amanda stresses that her company, Lifting Group, has invested in preventive actions to reduce departures for psychological reasons. “We have created a quality program of life that includes follow -up -up psychological and continuous doctor. We also offer rest and relaxation spaces, as well as promoting open communication between leader and team. We also encourage physical activities and moments of free time to reduce stress,” says CEO.

Although the challenges are great, the business woman and the psychologist believes that the growing opening to the debate on mental health has contributed to more people to seek help. “Prejudice is decreasing, which is positive, but it is important that companies are ready to offer adequate support to employees,” he warns.

Mental health of women in the labor market

Studies also underline that the greatest impact is on women’s health. According to a research published by American Journal of PsychiatryProfessionals have a 60% greater prevalence of anxiety and depression in high pressure corporate environments, especially in the sectors that require longer time from the family. The emotional overload, which provides for simultaneous management of work and family responsibilities reveals the reason for this difference. “It is important that mental health is a priority for companies, especially in the offshore environment, in which the challenges are more intense and the consequences can be even more serious”, concludes Amanda Carvalhal.

Source: Terra

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