Guest article from Emilio Goldenhersch, psychologist, researcher, Co-founder, and CEO of MindCo Health

Why Stress Matters:

Stress is a universal experience transcending borders, industries, and age groups. It affects us all. We live in a world that constantly pushes our boundaries to make us feel stressed as if it would be designed for it. Luckily, most of us are and can become aware of this, and do something about it.

Due to the diverse personas and industries grappling with stress, we see consequences not just at home, but there is also a profound impact on our workforce. Let’s explore some examples:

Personas & Stress:

Construction Workers: A physically demanding job often leads to high stress levels. The constant pressure for precision and safety can be mentally taxing. Being for long periods of time under such conditions may lead to a higher level of stress.

City Counties: Rural and urban areas experience stress differently. Urban dwellers often contend with the fast-paced lifestyle, while rural areas may face isolation and economic challenges, causing stress. Access to treatment is different in terms of availability, on-site vs. online, which may increase the challenges and create more stress.

Younger Adults: Millennials and Gen Z face unique stressors, from student loan debt to a rapidly changing job market, with social media and peer pressure adding to the formula like never in history before. These generations have needs that older ones never had, causing more stress.

Stress in the Workforce:

Stress takes a toll on productivity and mental well-being. In the workforce, it leads to absenteeism, burnout, and decreased job satisfaction. Because attrition may increase due to these consequences, hiring, and retention is highly related to stress management.

It is a systemic problem, that requires of a systemic solution, with complications affecting businesses and economies at large.

The Systemic Approach:

Education: Raising awareness about stress and mental health is crucial. Initiatives like stress management workshops can empower individuals to cope with stress.

Mental Health Support: Employers can play a pivotal role by offering mental health services and promoting a supportive workplace culture.

CBT-Based Programs: Combining technology, like CBT apps and Virtual Reality training, with traditional therapy provides accessible tools to manage stress effectively.

Community Engagement: Encouraging communities to come together, share experiences, and learn stress management techniques can be a powerful remedy.

Stress International Awareness Day encourages us to recognize the ubiquitous nature of stress and its impact on our lives. By taking a systemic approach to address it, we can build a world that’s more resilient, supportive, and empathetic. Together, we can manage and mitigate stress for a healthier and happier future.

To Your Wellbeing,

The MINES Team

MindCo Health is a behavioral health company providing clinically validated interventions for mental health and substance use to help employees and patients with their needs, combining telehealth coaching with virtual reality training. As a partner of MINES & Associates, we can help you and your organization have a positive impact on behavioral health.