U.S. DOL’s Announces Mental Health at Work Initiative

On May 1^st, the US Department of Labor (DOL) announced a new initiative to advance wellness in the workplace, and provide more information for how to combat negative mental illnesses at work.  The CDC estimated that about one in five Americans experience a mental illness every year.  Mental illnesses are directly tied to anxiety, depression, burnout, workplace stress, and substance abuse.  The new initiative announced by the DOL opened a new website, which includes resources and information for employers on what they are required to provide for employees, and how they can help employees dealing with mental illness.  Information is also provided directly for employees on what they can do to help themselves or others.  A day after the DOL’s announcement, HHS Surgeon General Murthy declared a loneliness epidemic.  Much of what Dr. Murthy said echoed the DOL announcement, as loneliness is directly tied to mental health of Americans.  The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the national mental health and loneliness situation.