How to support an employee with a mental health condition

Awareness and understanding of mental health conditions have evolved significantly in the past decade. However, there is still work to be done. Untreated mental illness costs the GCC at least 37.5 million productive working days - or $3.5 billion - annually. Let’s explore why open dialogues about mental well-being matter in the workplace, and what you can do as an employer to best support your teams’ mental health.

How do we define a mental health condition?

A mental health condition (or ‘mental disorder’) is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as ‘a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior’. It’s a term that covers a wide range of conditions, including:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Eating disorders

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Schizophrenia

• Psychosis

• Personality disorders

General understanding of mental health conditions - what causes them, and how they can be treated - has come a long way in the past few decades. Today, research is still being undertaken to pinpoint the causes of many mental health conditions, but biological and environmental factors often combine to either protect or undermine an individual’s mental health.

Globally, it’s estimated that 1 in 8 people live with a mental health condition. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a global spike in certain conditions including anxiety and depression.

Mental health in the GCC

A 2023 report by McKinsey found that, on average, two-thirds of people living in the GCC have experienced mental health challenges at some point in their lives - a figure which is slightly higher than the global average. Depression and anxiety were recorded as the most common conditions, with one-third also reporting symptoms of burnout.

Significant strides have been made in recent years towards supporting mental health across the GCC and particularly in the UAE, thanks in part to various governmental initiatives which have been designed to destigmatize conditions, raise awareness, and provide support.

Today, nearly three-quarters of people in the UAE (72%) would seek - or suggest seeking - professional help if they or a loved one were struggling with their mental health. However, this same research shows that men are less likely than women to seek professional help.

So, although attitudes and perceptions towards mental health conditions are continuing to shift, it’s now more important than ever to keep the conversation going.

Why does workplace mental health support matter?

Environmental factors can play a significant role in the development and exacerbation of mental health conditions.

Three in five people in the UAE believe that promoting mental wellness through well-being activities in families, schools, and communities would be the most effective way to eliminate stigma surrounding mental health conditions.

In this respect, the workplace can play a vital role in helping people get access to support. In turn, providing support for employees can contribute to boosting productivity, building team morale and setting the foundations for a healthier, happier workplace.

How can you best support your employees’ mental health?

1. Create an environment built on trust, respect, and confidentiality

Building an office culture which openly promotes mental well-being, and communicates its mental health policies - such as a workplace wellness program - can encourage your employees to address any mental health conditions they may be experiencing in a professional, confidential manner.

What’s more, certain factors within a job role or workplace can contribute to mental health aggravators, such as stress and burnout. By creating an atmosphere where your employees feel comfortable discussing any personal or professional issues you can help address conditions head-on. This will help to ensure that your colleagues receive the appropriate support, and mitigate the potential impact of the condition.

1. Provide access to resources and training

It’s now commonplace for many companies to provide their employees with access to well-being and mindfulness apps, such as Calm and Headspace. Whilst these apps should not be used in place of professional counseling or medical advice, they can provide helpful guidance to improve a person’s general well-being. They can also provide basic tips for cognitive behavioral techniques and meditation.

It’s also worth considering offering your employees mental health first aid training. These courses, which are run by organizations such as The LightHouse Arabia, can provide vital support and guidance. They can also help to build a sense of camaraderie within your workforce, and break down the barriers to discussing mental health freely and openly within the professional environment.

1. Communicate the resources and healthcare provisions available to your teams

In 2022, it was reported that the UAE had the second-most expensive therapy sessions in the world, at an average of $163 for a one-hour therapy session. This was behind only Switzerland, at $206 per session. For many in the UAE, cost remains a barrier to care.

Be sure to promote the mental health services available through your corporate healthcare provider to your teams. For example, GulfCare’s fully customizable plans include provisions for Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). These provide 24/7 access to a confidential and professional service which supports employees with a range of challenges, such as depression and anxiety. GulfCare’s coverage also includes a Chronic Medication Scheme (CMS), in which employees can opt-in for regular at-home medication deliveries, without the need to consult your doctor or revisit the lab for each prescription.

And remember that the mental health of an individual can also affect their loved ones. By extending this counseling and support to their spouse and dependants, you can help to protect the mental well-being of not just your employees, but their families too.

Mental health conditions can be a challenging topic to tackle at any time. But when a colleague is experiencing difficulties with their mental well-being, sometimes a little support can make a world of difference.

About GulfCare

GulfCare is a leading provider of corporate healthcare in the Middle East. We partner with businesses of all sizes in the UAE and throughout the GCC, to deliver tailored healthcare solutions that best meet the individual needs of each company.

To learn more about the mental health provisions included in our plans, contact us today.