The Big I Virginia Summer 2022

ICUMI - ROUGH NOTES
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MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT IN
EVERYDAY INTERACTIONS
STARTING CONVERSATIONS, UPLIFTING LIVES
By Thomas A. McCoy, CLU
In January, we reported on the growing interest in
providing mental health support in the workplace.
Benefit plans are broadening their mental health
offerings, including digitally delivered solutions, and
these have the potential to make a real difference in
the lives of workers and their families.
Another dimension of mental health care takes place in the
human interactions that agents and brokers experience
every day with colleagues, family, friends and others in their
community. Agents give, as well as receive, mental health
support in their role as a boss, parent, coach, leader, mentor
and colleague.
The emphasis is on the every day. A broken bone may be
healed and never need attention again. Taking care of
mental health is more like the need for physical exercise and
a good diet; if neglected, there are consequences.
The struggle is real
“Most of the United States work-force is experiencing a
heightened amount of stress,” says Adele Spallone, head of
clinical operations for workers compensation and disability
at The Hartford. “We’re asking employers to educate their
workforce about mental health, to minimize stigma and
encourage their workers to seek help when they need it.
“It’s okay to talk to somebody. It’s okay to engage with some
of the digital apps or talk to someone on telehealth if you
don’t want to see a behavioral health professional in person.
It’s really all about the person experiencing a behavioral
health condition and understanding that they have a need
for help and that they are validated.”
Still, she points out, The Hartford’s 2021 Future of Benefits
Study shows that among workers in a wide range of
organizations “only 56% said the leadership at their
company encourages conversation around mental health.”
This compares to 77% of employers who said leadership
at their company encourages conversations about mental
health.
This statistic points to the difficulty inherent in starting
mental health conversations. It’s hard whether you’re an
executive in a large company or you’re an independent
agent with a much smaller workforce. You might suspect—
or maybe not—that someone you work with, live with, or
see regularly in the community needs encouragement to
seek mental health support. But knowing how to help them
isn’t easy.
Demographics
Recent research by employee benefits providers shows
that younger generations are prime candidates for mental
health support, both in terms of their need and their
interest in receiving support. A Swiss Re study of some
4,500 consumers conducted during the early stages of
the pandemic identified a target group of those most
enthusiastic about support for their mental well-being: 58%
were ages 25 to 40, 32% were 41 to 55, and 10% were 55
and above.
The Hartford’s 2021 Future of Benefits Study found that
workers experiencing the most frequent feelings of
depression or anxiety was delineated as Gen Z/Younger
Millennials (52%), Older Millennials (38%), Gen X (26%), and
Baby Boomers (10%).
“It can be more helpful just to be available to listen and
support and express understanding; and also letting
young people know that you have felt the same way …
.” —Dr. Erica Gibson, Division Chief of Medicine, UVM
Children’s Hospital
28 THE BIG I VIRGINIA SUMMER 2022