May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. The 2025 theme is “Turn Awareness into Action,” encouraging individuals and communities to translate understanding into meaningful steps toward change. One critical area where this call to action can make a tangible difference is the workplace, where mental health conditions continue to impact employees and organizational well-being alike.

Mental health conditions in the workplace refer to various psychological and emotional disorders that can affect an employee's ability to perform their job effectively. Here are some key points about mental health conditions in the workplace:

Common Mental Health Conditions

1. Anxiety Disorders: Includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Symptoms can include excessive worry, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating.
2. Depression: Characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, and changes in sleep and appetite.
3. Bipolar Disorder: Involves episodes of mania (high energy, euphoria) and depression (low energy, sadness).
4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Occurs after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms include flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by repetitive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions).

Impact on Work

• Productivity: Mental health conditions can lead to decreased productivity and efficiency.
• Absenteeism: Employees may take more sick days or leave due to their condition.
• Work Relationships: Mental health issues can affect interactions with colleagues and supervisors.
• Decision Making: Impaired concentration and decision-making abilities.

Legal Protections

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Protects employees from discrimination based on mental health conditions and allows them to request reasonable accommodations.
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Provides job-protected leave for employees to address serious health conditions, including mental health.

Employer Responsibilities

• Creating a Supportive Environment: Encouraging open discussions about mental health and providing resources.
• Reasonable Accommodations: Adjusting work schedules, providing mental health days, or modifying job duties.
• Confidentiality: Ensuring any disclosed information about an employee's mental health condition is kept confidential.

Resources and Support

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Offering counseling and support services.
• Mental Health Training: Educating employees and managers about mental health issues and how to support affected colleagues.
• Access to Professional Help: Providing access to mental health professionals and services.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offer resources and toolkits to raise awareness and advocate for better mental health care. Understanding and addressing mental health conditions in the workplace is crucial for maintaining a healthy, productive, and supportive work environment.

ASE Connect

Visit ASE’s Workplace Wellness Resources page for additional mental health resources for employers.  In addition, the member-exclusive Zywave HR Services Suite offers a breadth of wellness resources.  Access Zywave via the ASE Member Dashboard under My Research Tools.