Mental health, chronic conditions & the pandemic: a guide for employers

The global pandemic has been a major source of stress for many of us. The uncertainty and loneliness of repeated and sustained lockdowns, coupled with the threat of the virus have triggered a major rise in depression and anxiety across the global population. A recent survey by the American Psychological Association revealed that 78% of respondents said the pandemic was a major stressor for them, with 9% of respondents having been diagnosed with a mental health disorder since the start of the pandemic. As healthcare costs continue to rise and access to medical care remains a challenge, we are at a critical point with respect to US mental health. People with chronic conditions often suffer from low self-esteem. Adapting to life with a long-term health condition and dealing with the associated stigma can seriously damage a person’s sense of self-worth. The National Association for Self-Esteem describes good self-esteem as feeling “capable of meeting life’s challenges and being worthy of happiness.” For employers, failing to support people with chronic conditions and those struggling with mental health means missing out on the full potential that employees have to offer. In Episode 3 of One Drop’s series “The future of employee wellbeing: adapting benefits to the new normal ,” we’re discussing the impact of the global pandemic on mental health in the US and exploring steps employers can take to mitigate the effects for employees with chronic conditions. - The impact of covid-19 on national mental health - Detangling the relationship between self-esteem, chronic conditions & employee productivity - Offering personalised benefits packages to help manage chronic conditions & mental health - And more.. Speakers: Dr. Lindsay Sears, VP of Outcomes Research - One Drop Sylvia Doss, Founder & Strategic Consultant - Open Circles Lisa Graham, Clinical Health Coach - One Drop Dr. Omatola Gordon-Rose, CEO - OGR Public Health Host: Andrew Deutscher, Founder, Regenerate.