Mental health issues on job EAP reports

Community Action, Feb 21, 2005

TORONTO -- Symptoms of depression, anxiety and anger are the symptoms of mental health problems found in the workplace, according to WarrenSheppel a firm providing employee assistance programs. Using the company's experience, the WarrenSheppel Research group reports that:

* Depression symptoms were the most frequent of the three problems (over 6% of mainstream presenting issues);

* Depression symptoms were more prevalent among the youngest and oldest employees;

* Anxiety symptoms were more prevalent (and are increasing) among 20-to-29-year-olds;

* Anger symptoms were more prevalent among younger employee groups;

* Reports of emotional problems generally decreased with age;

* Males and females reported similar frequencies of depression and anxiety symptoms;

* Males reported substantially higher frequencies of anger symptoms compared to females.

The research group points out that while EAP clients actively volunteer for counselling, males with emotional problems may feel more inclined to seek help from their EAP than consult a mental health professional (i.e., the 'solution' focus of EAP is more aligned with typical male coping styles)." For employees who are 'therapy averse,' EAP counselling may be viewed more as a form of 'coaching' or 'guidance counselling.' While EAPS cannot replace other forms of clinical counselling, they may be effective for addressing mild to moderate emotional problems and act as key access points for employees who require more intensive help for severe forms of emotional distress."