In the first half of 2023, almost as many employees called in sick because of mental illness as in the whole of last year. What are the reasons behind it.
A recent publication of Commercial health insurance KKH shows a worrying trend. Absences due to mental illness increased by 85 percent from the first half of 2022 to the first half of 2023 – more than ever in the recent past. A press release from the KKH also states that by the end of June 2023, 100 KKH members had lost 303 days due to mental health problems. Throughout 2022, the KKH 339 absent days per 100 members due to depression, adjustment disorders, anxiety disorders and other mental illnesses.
“This development is alarming, because we have already almost reached the level of the entire year 2022,” says KKH occupational psychologist Antje Judick: “Looking at the years before, we are even above average.” Before 2022, the KKH determined lower levels Values. In 2019, there were around 274 lost days for 100 KKH members.
Stress in everyday work as the greatest burden
The reasons for this development are manifold. Increasing pressure and the associated stress in many sectors, but also the global situation play a major role. As part of a representative survey by the opinion research institute forsawhich the KKH commissioned, it becomes clear which topics particularly burden people.
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The following areas were classified by the respondents as the greatest stress factors:
- Education/occupation and increasing stress level at work
- Political and social issues such as climate change
- inflation and financial worries
- High demands on yourself
- Constant availability via smartphone and social networks
Almost two-thirds of the 1,004 people surveyed said they felt exhausted and burned out when they were under stress. One in three suffers from depressive moods or depression as a result. In addition, every sixth professional reports stress-related anxiety.
Prevent depression with exercise, relaxation and social contacts
Depression is an illness that can affect anyone. But you can take preventive action. The health insurance company AOK gives tips that promote your inner strength and thus reduce the risk of depression and depressive mood:
- Exercise regularly and exercise as often as possible. This releases happiness hormones and reduces stress hormones.
- Establish relaxation routines such as daily yoga exercises, autogenic training or reading breaks.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Avoid alcohol, nicotine and caffeinated drinks.
- Get enough sleep.
- Maintain your social network and ensure positive encounters, for example as part of a cooking or painting course.
- Follow your internal biological clock. Morning people shouldn’t turn night into day.
Are you depressed? You can get help around the clock from the telephone counseling service – every day of the year: call 0800 1110111 or 0800 1110222. The call is free. Your phone number is not transmitted and you do not have to say your name. The conversation lasts as long as necessary.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about clinical pictures.
