State of Mind
Namibia

The background on October Health's State of Mind Report

The world is facing a growing mental health crisis.

Namibia faces its own unique challenges in addressing mental health issues, compounded by its vast geography and limited resources. A significant factor impacting mental health in Namibia is the legacy of historical trauma and socio-economic disparities. Many Namibians have endured experiences of displacement and instability, which contribute to conditions such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, stigma surrounding mental health remains prevalent, discouraging individuals from seeking help. Namibia's healthcare infrastructure struggles with inadequate funding and a shortage of trained mental health professionals, leading to limited access to services, especially in rural areas. Efforts to improve the situation are vital and include increasing investment in mental health services, expanding training for healthcare workers, and enhancing public education to reduce stigma. Integrating mental health services into primary healthcare and using digital platforms like October to provide accessible resources can also play a crucial role in supporting those in need.

Businesses are suffering without realising

Poor mental health has extremely significant costs to businesses:

• Lost productivity. Employees with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders may be less productive and miss more work. This lost productivity results in lower output and revenue for businesses. Estimates suggest mental health problems reduce productivity and economic growth by up to 4% per year.
• Presenteeism. Some employees may come to work but not be fully productive due to poor mental health. This "presenteeism" still costs businesses money in the form of reduced performance and effectiveness. Presenteeism can be harder for employers to detect but can be even more costly than absenteeism.
• Higher healthcare costs. When mental health issues go untreated, they can lead to more severe health problems and higher healthcare costs. For example, untreated depression can increase the risk of chronic physical health issues, resulting in greater spending on healthcare premiums and services. Providing mental health benefits could help address issues early and reduce long-term healthcare costs.
• Recruitment and retention challenges. If a company does not provide adequate mental health support, it may struggle to attract and retain top talent. In today's market, mental health benefits and a supportive work culture are appealing to employees and candidates. When people's needs are met, they are more likely to join and stay at a company, which reduces costly turnover.
• Safety and risk issues. Poor mental health can impact judgment, focus, and decision making, which may put employee and public safety at risk in some jobs. Proactively supporting mental health and monitoring risks is important for companies where safety is a concern. Doing so could help prevent dangerous incidents and legal issues.