Workplace Mental Health

Mental health is an important component of overall well-being and is equally as vital 

as physical health for all employees. Mental health concerns due to work have the 

potential to adversely impact an employee's social interactions, productivity, 

performance, and absenteeism.

Stress affects people in a variety of ways such as muscle tension, headaches, stomach 

discomfort, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Ignoring workplace stress can have 

lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, co-workers, and communities.

Traumatic Events

Sometimes a shocking, scary, or dangerous

experience can be so intense that it can have an

emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and physical impact 

on a person. Some examples of traumatic events that 

can happen in workplaces are:

• Explosions or chemical releases

• Building, crane, or other equipment collapses

• Co-workers being injured or dying on the job

• Abuse or assault of a co-worker or client

It is normal to feel terrified during and after a 

traumatic event. This is part of the body’s “fight or 

flight” response to possible danger.

Traumatic events can happen to workers in all 

industries.

After experiencing a traumatic event people may:

• Feel anxious, sad, or angry

• Have terrifying thoughts or flashbacks

• Have recurring nightmares

• Be confused or unable to

think clearly

• Have a hard time falling and 

staying asleep

• Frighten easily 

If these symptoms continue long after the event or 

affect day-to-day life, they can be signs of acute stress 

disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Both

require professional help to address.

Substance Use Disorder

Substance use disorder is a persistent desire for 

substances even in the face of negative 

consequences. Some people come to rely on opioids, 

stimulants, alcohol, or other substances even when 

the substances cause harm. People may develop a 

dependence on drugs, including prescription 

medications, and alcohol for many 

reasons, including the presence of other 

mental health conditions, chronic pain,

or injuries. Regardless of the underlying 

reason, substance use disorder can be 

treated and controlled.

MAY

Mental Health 

Awareness Month

JUNE

Post Traumatic Stress 

Disorder Awareness Month

SEPTEMBER

National Suicide Prevention Month 

National Recovery Month

1-800-321-OSHA (6742) | TTY 1-877-889-5627 | osha.gov/workplace-stress
Suicide

Suicide can touch anyone, anywhere, at any time. 

But it is not inevitable. Help is available. 

According to the CDC1,2

• More than 12 million adults seriously think about

suicide each year.

• More than 3 million adults make a plan to commit

suicide each year.

• More than 1 million adults attempt suicide

each year.

• More than 48,000 people die by suicide in the

United States each year.

People of any age, gender, and background can have 

thoughts of suicide. Untreated mental health 

conditions can lead to these thoughts and even 

suicidal actions. That is why it is important to provide

resources and encourage people to get help when 

they are having mental health concerns, experiencing 

traumatic events, or battling substance use disorders. 

Certain factors may increase an individual’s risk of 

developing suicidal thoughts and attempting suicide 

such as:

• Mental health conditions like depression, bipolar

disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and

substance use disorders

• Traumatic events

• Health issues like chronic pain or illness

• Prolonged stress

• Recent tragedy or loss

• Criminal or legal problems

• Job loss or financial problems

• Substance use disorder

• Childhood trauma

• Domestic violence

References 

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021)

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Statistics (2021)

Resources

Employers can help change the stigma of mental health 

by prioritizing it as part of their workplace culture, 

having conversations about it, and knowing how to 

support those workers who say they need assistance. 

Workplace Stress - Overview | Occupational Safety and 

Health Administration (osha.gov)

• OSHA Suicide Prevention in Construction

• OSHA Workplace Stress

• Call or text 988 for free, confidential crisis

counseling anytime, 24/7

• Text a counselor at 838255 for Veterans Crisis Line

• Text Talk to 741741 for English

• Text Ayuda to 741741 for Spanish

Get Help

1-800-321-OSHA (6742) | TTY 1-877-889-5627 | osha.gov/workplace-stress

OSHA 4395-01 2024