How Much Does Mental Health Matter?

Mental health shapes our physical health, relationships and quality of life, yet stigma and societal pressures force many of us to hide our struggles and avoid seeking care.

Certain groups, like older adults, active military service members and men, face particularly steep barriers to care. Men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women (National Institutes of Health). Approximately 14% of older adults experiences mental health challenges (World Health Organization), but less than 3% of them seek mental health care with a psychiatrist (National Institutes of Health). A recent report noted that mental health disorders among military service members rose 40% from 2019-2023, with rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders doubling over the same five-year period (Department of Defense). Yet many of these military members refrain from seeking care out of shame or fear of being labeled as “weak.”

Employees face similar struggles. A survey conducted in 2021 found that 76% of employees reported experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, yet 67% of them were afraid to discuss it with their managers, citing fears of judgment (Mind Share Partners). Younger workers feel constrained by outdated workplace attitudes, with 60% believing their company discourages mental health conversations (Mind Share Partners).

Breaking this silence can make a difference. Organizations that embrace mental health training and awareness create cultures where seeking help is normalized. The results can be significant: several studies have shown that people who receive therapy achieve significant symptom relief, while other research has shown that therapy can enhance productivity while reducing health-related costs.

It’s time to prioritize mental health, just as we do physical health, by dismantling stigma and fostering open dialogue. Mental health isn’t just a buzzword — it’s essential to living a healthy, meaningful life.