In 2024, 77% of employers reported an increase in mental health concerns compared to 44% in 2023.1 This reflects the growing normalization of behavioral health awareness in the workplace. But while prevalent conditions like depression and anxiety are often major points of discussion, less common but equally important mental health conditions are also significant factors requiring smart solutions from employers. Let’s look at what we can do, together.
is the current annual global cost to employers for depression and anxiety.2
is the projected cost in six years, including conditions like substance use disorders, suicide, eating disorders and pediatric behavioral health.3
adults will have a substance use disorder at some point in their lives.4
Employees in recovery miss 14 fewer workdays than those with an untreated SUD.5
High-quality recovery centers, like Blue Distinction® Centers for substance use treatment and recovery, can help members find care and get started on a lasting path to recovery. BDCs aim to reduce readmission rates post-treatment, increase continuation of care using medication-assisted treatment and increase savings compared to non-BDCs.
occur in the U.S. every day.6
think suicide can be prevented.7
Despite more people engaging in care, suicide is still the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S.8, and in 2021, it was the second leading cause of death for adolescents aged 10–14 and adults aged 20–34.9 Proactive, impactful ways to prevent suicide and self-harm include identifying the signs and symptoms of suicidal ideation and proactive outreach to those at risk. Offering broader mental health coverage, resilience and social-emotional training programs, and crisis support can help turn the tide. We also work to close the gap between mental health providers and primary care providers to help address these challenges earlier on.
When untreated, 20% of people with serious eating disorders pass away prematurely.10
Treatment reduces the chance of early death by 97%.11
There is no one-size-fits-all approach for eating disorder care. The patient population is very diverse, presenting a wide range of symptoms at differing levels of severity. Our specialty clinical case management teams have expertise in treating anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorders. Partnering with outside experts and treatment facilities to support members with their diagnosis, we ensure their plan of care is aligned with their needs.
There is a significant delay in receiving an OCD diagnosis and treatment – taking an average of 14–17 years.12
with OCD saw clinically significant outcomes from exposure and response therapy via live teletherapy.13
A holistic treatment approach that includes frequent therapy, exposure and response prevention treatment, weekly peer support groups, and additional self-help tools can significantly aid those struggling with OCD, and teletherapy can make accessing these treatments significantly easier. Many of our contracted providers have adjusted their practice to support telehealth visits.14
Absenteeism increases twofold among caregivers of children with mental health concerns.14
of working parents agree their employer understands the need to take care of a child’s health issues, including mental health.15
Employee assistance programs do the crucial work of bridging the gap between employees (who may not elect medical coverage) and the rest of their household, including offering additional resources their children may need. Our integrated EAP gives access to counseling sessions with in-network providers, at no cost, plus referral resources for childcare, specialists and/or caregiver support.
Every individual’s and organization’s support needs are unique and complex. It’s important to know what’s happening at the highest level and what issues may be less at the forefront. Explore our behavioral health white paper to better understand how we can come together to support your workforce.