While companies are struggling to keep their businesses afloat under government-sanctioned restrictions, they must address yet another crisis.
Mental health issues have been surfacing as a result of the prolonged quarantine and the abrupt shift to working from home. People feel socially isolated, more stressed out, more anxious and emotionally exhausted, reports the Harvard Business Review.
Qualtrics and SAP, an enterprise software and survey/feedback provider, studied over 2,700 employees from 10 industries in the United States in March and April. Findings showed that people can adapt to change, but they cannot control their anxiety for the future—particularly about finances, personal lives and job security.
Mind You, a specialist in corporate mental health care, can provide the needed support and confidentiality for employees. It offers counseling and preventative psychological therapy which uncovers the root of the employee’s problem before it becomes detrimental to work.
“Mind You was established with the goal of creating happier, healthier and more productive workforces,” says Michael Needham, head of strategic planning. “The Mental Health online platform was conceptualized in January 2020 because of the growing need for easier access to preventative mental health care. The development was then fast-tracked and launched due to the demand created by the COVID-19 (new coronavirus disease) global pandemic.”
He notes the mental health care in the country, particularly in the workplace, is still in its early stages compared with neighbors such as Malaysia and Singapore. Mental health is still a taboo subject in the Philippines.
However, Mind You is optimistic that more companies will invest in mental health care. Needham attributes it to the effects of the pandemic and the Mental Health Act of 2018, which mandates companies to implement a mental health policy for its employees by 2022.
Since its inception, Mind You has been serving large companies that recognize the sociopsychological impact of COVID-19 and the “new normal” work policies on their staff. They also understand that mental health care can improve employee productivity.
Therapy session options
“Employees may book free, one-on-one psychological therapy through our proprietary Telehealth platform, Mind You. The sessions are hosted on our Hipaa (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)-approved telemedicine conferencing system. There is no longer a need to go through HR (human resources) to book an appointment with a psychologist. When the enterprise signs up, every staff member completes a standardized nine-question assessment to assure they receive the appropriate care. Employees have the option of video conference, phone call or chat for their therapy sessions,” explains Needham.
For people in quarantine who don’t want to be open about their problems, they can sign up anonymously and consult with a licensed psychologist.
While the media has been vigilant about data on COVID-19 cases, depression and suicide have remained hush-hush subjects.
Needham says Mind You has a program to prevent suicide through an escalation policy, designed by science experts. This policy identifies at-risk individuals who are given immediate medical or psychological attention.
Suicide is usually a result of major depressive disorder (MDD). Needham quotes Healthline.com: “The exact cause of MDD isn’t known. A combination of genes and stress can affect brain chemistry and reduce the ability to maintain mood stability.”
Asked how the unemployed or those on furlough can get access to counseling, Needham suggests talking to a trusted and unbiased person who is a supportive listener. “If a person cannot afford a psychologist or counseling, meditation, talking about your emotions to loved ones, and understanding that these feelings will eventually come and go can help with overcoming these challenging times. There are free help lines you can contact if you’re feeling suicidal.” —CONTRIBUTED
Tel. 0917-8549191, 0917-8998727
