Nearly $200 billion dollars. That’s quite a large figure. Is it the amount a presidential candidate promising to lower our national debt? No, it’s the amount of lost earnings per year due to mental health related issues, according to a 2008 study in the American Journal of Psychiatry. It’s the money folks lose each year due to missing work because of depression (makes up $83 million alone), anxiety, bipolar, and addictions. Not only do these issues cost us money, but they make us less productive.
If someone is diagnosed with depression, the diagnosis alone indicates that his/her current level of functioning is interfering with daily living. People with depression are twice as likely to take sick days. This slows down productivity at work and, in some settings, costs the employer money to bring in a replacement or substitute worker to cover the work. The number one cause of medical disability in people ages 14-44 in 2003 was depression. While disability payments are meager at best, it is still costing the government money it doesn’t have (even though we have paid into it) to support folks with depression who are unable to work.
People with depression are also at five time higher risk to attempt suicide. Fortunately, only 5% of suicide attempts actually end in death. But, then you’ve got 95% of the people who have attempted suicide that may have long-term physical and increased mental health issues as a result of a failed attempt. Some research has shown that failed suicide attempts cost America $3 billion a year. Now, if the suicide attempt was successful, you must also consider the money it costs the family for help in responding to such a tragedy. Some family members are so traumatized they need individual counseling, grief counseling, and family counseling.
Let’s take a look at anxiety-related issues. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that nearly 1% of American adults have been diagnosed with agoraphobia. This disorder immobilizes people, as they fear open spaces and not having a way to get to safety. Many people with this disorder remain in their homes and never leave. Many may try to work from home and make a living, doing their shopping and communicating on line, having their groceries delivered. For others, they must look to the federal government for financial assistance. The NIMH reports 1% of the American adult population has been diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and half of those cases are classified as “severe.” People with OCD have intense, repetitious thoughts (obsessions) that won’t go away until they engage in a repetitious behavior (compulsion) to relieve the anxiety that accompanies the thought. Someone with OCD may check the front door 20 times to be sure it’s locked before leaving the house. They do not have any control over when these thoughts occur.
Many times depression and anxiety take on physical symptoms. If you’re not familiar with how depression can manifest itself, you may believe your lack of energy is due to an iron deficiency or some other medical cause. The costs of doctor’s visits and tests to rule out a physical issue can be expensive. Anxiety also has physical symptoms. Many people who have panic attacks describe the same symptoms as those who have had heart attacks. The cost of an ambulance ride and an ER visit alone can break the bank, only to realize the (good) news that it wasn’t a heart attack, but a panic attack.
Pretty depressing and anxiety-provoking so far, right? Here’s the GOOD NEWS! There is HOPE! Depression and anxiety are both treatable. Will it cost money for that treatment? In most cases, yes. Is that treatment expensive? In some situations, yes. Is it worth it? If you’re motivated to get better (sometimes change is hard), treatment has a very high success rate and it is absolutely worth it.
When you consider the alternatives of living (or having half a life struggling alone) with depression or anxiety, treatment is doable and affordable. In double-negative speech: You can’t afford not to take care of your mental health.
If you’re struggling with depression, anxieity, addictions or any other emotional challenges, Lotus Group is here for you. Please contact us today to setup an initial meeting with one of our trained counselors.
Some statistics taken from article by Dr. Robert Leahy