Fears about losing status at job and about confidentiality are among the main reasons that many American workers are more hesitant to seek dealing for mental health issues than for physical health problems, according to a national survey released this week by the American Psychiatric Association.
More than 40 percent of the 1,129 respondents said their employer was supportive or enormously supportive of their workers seeking care for health concerns. However, the online review also found that barriers persist for workers who said their workplace is contrary of employees seeking treatment, especially for mental health concerns.

Among employees, 76 percent believed their work status would be injured by seeking treatment for drug addiction, 73 percent for alcoholism, and 62 percent for depression, compared with 55 percent who thought seeking care for diabetes would concern their work status and 54 percent for heart disease.
"It is important to support an environment that encourages employees taking care of their physical and mental health," Dr. Alan Axelson, chairman of the relations Partnership for Workplace Mental Health Advisory Council, said in an association news release. "Research supports the fact that when people receive wanted care, they are healthier and more productive -- and employers comprehend the return on their health care investment."

The partnership offers the suggestions for employers:

• Supervisors and managers should front by example by taking care of their physical and mental health.


• Workplaces should promote prevention, premature intervention and wellness programs. This includes holding health fairs, providing good meals and snacks at meetings, encouraging exercise and promoting a balance between work and the rest of an employee's life.


• Employees should be depressed from coming to work if they're ill.
  Workers should be reminded of health benefits and accessible programs, and efforts should be taken to make sure they know how to access care.


• Employees should be free from worry about confidentiality, especially that seeking mental health treatment