|
People Are Falling Between the Cracks as Mental and Emotional Illness Reaches Highest Levels Ever Recorded
Shepell·fgi develops a new method for recognizing and addressing depression
Toronto, May 1, 2008: In order to mark Mental Health Week, Shepell·fgi Research Group has issued a white paper that found while some depression can be managed through Employee Assistance Programs (EAP); ineffective, uncoordinated services for serious mental and emotional illness remain the norm for workers across Canada.
To better identify and assist employees suffering from depression, Shepell·fgi recommends a coordinated approach that links an enhanced clinical service through the EAP provider with the case management services provided by insurers. Such a coordinated effort would catch people earlier, accelerate access to proper clinical support, promote a return to health and a return to work, help to reduce the incidence of serious illness and reduce the mental health costs of employers.
The annual cost of depression in Canada is estimated to be $33 billion with depression accounting for higher employee absenteeism than back pain, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes and other mental conditions. Depression and anti-depressant prescriptions are major contributing factors to employer health care costs, which are rising by 15% a year.
Rod Phillips, President and CEO; Karen Seward, Senior Vice-President, Business Development and Marketing and Paula Allen, Vice-President, Health Solutions and Shepell·fgi research group from are available for media interviews throughout Mental Health Week, which runs May 5 – 11th.
The Shepell·fgi Research Group paper - “Best Practices in Depression Disease Management”
About Shepell·fgi and the Shepell·fgi Research Group
Shepell·fgi is Canada's leading provider of workplace health services, including prevention-focused Employee Assistance Programs. The company services over six million employees and their families across Canada, the United States and internationally. Shepell·fgi helps organizations maintain healthy employees and healthy workplaces.
The Shepell·fgi Research group, a division of Shepell·fgi, has a mandate to educate employers and business leaders on physical, mental and social health issues as these factors impact employees, their families and their workplaces. The Shepell·fgi Research Group offers a precise understanding of health and wellness trends by conducting sector and issue-based analysis. Since 2004, the Shepell·fgi research group has published thirteen issues based reports and seven sector based reports.
Click here for our summarized profile
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK AN INTERVIEW CONTACT:
Name: Michael Forbes
Phone: 416.999.3069
Email: mforbes@pwcommunications.ca
|
