Wisconsin employees lost $19.2 billion to mental health and substance use issues over the past five years, according to a recent study by RenaissanceRecovery.com, a nationwide association of addiction and mental health treatment centers.
RenaissanceRecovery.com conducted a nationwide survey of 3,002 employees examining the financial impact mental health and substance use challenges had on Americans’ ability to earn a living.
The study, released on Jan. 26, focused on how time off work, reduced hours or disrupted employment translated into lost income for people dealing with these conditions.
The survey also highlighted widespread confusion around federal protections and available resources, and it cites the need for clear communication and supportive workplace cultures.
On an individual basis, RenaissanceRecovery.com said Wisconsin employees suffered a loss of $10,234 per person over the past five years due to mental health issues.
The study indicates there is more work to do to reduce stigma, remove barriers to treatment, and make the care navigation experience less scary and overwhelming.
Raise your hand
Cliff McDonald, chief growth officer for Madison’s Recovery.com, a platform for mental health and addiction treatment (not associated with RenaissanceRecovery.com), was not surprised with the study’s findings — especially with what he called “Wisconsin’s massive drinking culture.”
McDonald, who identifies as a person in long-term recovery from alcohol use disorder, said progress is represented by federal legislation such as the Mental Health Parity Act and the Affordable Care Act, which mandate that insurers cover mental health and addiction similar to the way physical diseases have been covered.
At the federal level, the Family and Medical Leave Act guarantees eligible workers up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for serious health conditions, including mental health and substance use treatment.
McDonald said those who suffer are more reluctant to come forward than those with physical illnesses and some online resources take advantage of the vulnerable and uninformed.
He recommended that patients seek help from resources that are accredited by the Joint Commission, an independent evaluator of health care quality, and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.
McDonald also had a recommendation for employers. “Be a resource for your employees,” he said. “Let them know that it’s OK to raise their hand. Encourage them to come forward if they’re struggling with mental health or addiction.
“A lot of people suffer in silence,” McDonald said, “and they might not feel comfortable raising their hands.” Also according to the survey:
Also according to the survey
▶ Nationally, 41% of respondents said a mental health or substance use issue had affected their ability to work, and they lost an estimated 16% of their income as a result. With a national loss of $10,968 per person over the last five years, that accumulated to roughly $1.2 trillion nationally.
▶ The findings showed clear differences by state, with workers in Massachusetts experiencing the greatest income disruption, at a loss of $14,050 within the last five years. Comparatively, those in Mississippi suffered smaller financial losses of $7,698.
▶ The survey also found that fewer than half of workers (46%) know that federal law allows eligible employees to take job-protected leave for mental health or substance use treatment.
