Taking stock of your mental health in the workplace

Are you feeling stressed at work? Take a deep breath. You’re not alone. In today’s high-pressure work environment, mental health has become the proverbial elephant in the conference room. With a reported 77% percent of workers reporting burnout and one in five reporting fair to poor mental health, for all too many, the workplace has become ground zero for psychological and emotional well-being.

There’s good news, though. Recent research shows that companies with robust mental health programs see higher employee engagement and lower turnover rates and employees in supportive environments are twice as likely to report high job satisfaction. This backs up previous research that noted that workplaces that promote good mental health and support individuals with mental illnesses are more likely to reduce absenteeism and presenteeism (decreased productivity at work).

The message is clear. Making emotional and mental well-being a priority is more than mere self-indulgence–it’s essential for sustainable workplaces and, more importantly, for a fulfilling life. 

Know when it’s more than ‘another bad day’

We’ve all had bad days at work, but what do you do when every day makes you feel like you’re dragging an anchor? Depression doesn’t send announcements–it sneaks in. Fatigue is a common sign. Sunday evening anxiety can transition to exhaustion during the work week. When that becomes a pattern, it’s not normal tiredness—it’s your mind waving for help.

Other signs might include:

• Extreme mood changes, like feelings of euphoria followed by prolonged feelings of irritability or anger
• Drastic changes in eating habits
• Consistently avoiding social activities
• Excessive worry and fear
• Inability to carry out daily tasks or handle daily challenges

If you're concerned, the first place to check is through your healthcare provider. Also, be sure to check with your workplace HR department or benefits administrator. Your employer may have a wellness program that includes mental health options like screenings, dependence counseling, depression workshops, and proactive stress management courses.

Taking the first step

Knowledge is power. While getting diagnosed with depression or other mental or emotional conditions can be terrifying, it can also bring a huge sense of relief—like finally putting a name to a shadow that’s been following you. 

Your treatment plan might include medication, therapy, or simply learning that doomscrolling on social media at 1 a.m. isn't actually "unwinding." Take it one day at a time—your burnout didn't happen overnight.

Your FSA can help

While not everyone will need medication or therapy, there is good news if your medical provider does recommend either of these treatments: they’re both covered by your FSA, even if not covered by insurance. 

One great first step for those new to therapy or nervous about the idea of in-person sessions is BetterHelp. This FSA-covered platform offers accessible, confidential, and personalized online therapy with licensed professionals. It’s convenient, flexible, and designed to make starting therapy easier.

Workplace stress is a normal part of life, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your health. Your employer needs functioning humans, not martyrs. The bravest email you might ever send to your boss could start with: "I need to talk about how I'm really doing."

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