The Impact of Mental Health on Personal, Professional Development

In recent years, mental health disorders such as chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout (professional exhaustion syndrome) have become increasingly common. These conditions deeply affect people’s performance at work and in their personal lives. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019, around 15% of working-age adults suffered from some type of mental disorder, a proportion that increased even further after the COVID-19 pandemic (with a 25% global rise in cases of anxiety and depression). This highlights the magnitude of the problem and the need to understand its impacts.

The impact of these problems is clearly reflected in working life. Stress, anxiety, or depression can diminish an employee’s concentration, decision-making ability, and creativity. In fact, it is estimated that around 12 billion workdays are lost annually worldwide due to depression and anxiety, which equates to nearly US$1 trillion in lost productivity. Those experiencing burnout or similar disorders often see their performance decline, lose motivation, and have difficulty collaborating effectively with colleagues. Absenteeism is common, or conversely, presenteeism (going to work despite not being in proper health), which further deteriorates efficiency and workplace relationships.

On a personal level, the effects of mental disorders can be equally significant. Anxiety and depression often lead to sleep disturbances, such as insomnia and physical symptoms that manifest in the body (persistent fatigue, headaches, or digestive issues, among others). Emotionally, the person may become socially withdrawn and irritable, which can lead to conflict or distance in family relationships. Over time, quality of life is seriously affected: activities that once brought joy lose their appeal, and daily life becomes more difficult.

Additionally, studies have found that suffering from depression or anxiety doubles the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks or strokes. In other words, poor mental health can manifest as recurring physical ailments and a higher risk of serious medical problems, further impacting a person’s life.

In light of this reality, mental health experts propose various strategies to prevent or reduce the impact of these disorders. On an individual level, adopting healthy lifestyle habits is essential: maintaining a regular sleep schedule (aiming for around seven to eight hours), engaging in regular physical activity, and eating a balanced diet can significantly improve mood and stress resilience. It is also recommended to set aside time for leisure activities, socialize with trusted people, and practice relaxation techniques (such as meditation or deep breathing) to relieve tension.

At the organizational and societal level, institutions also play a key role in addressing mental health. Organizations such as the WHO and the International Labor Organization (ILO) urge companies to identify and mitigate psychosocial risks in the workplace, train managers and employees on mental health issues, provide support (such as psychological assistance programs or accommodations for those in need), and promote a culture of openness and empathy around these topics. 

When employers foster a healthy and understanding work environment, burnout and excessive stress are reduced, and employees can perform better and be more engaged. As the WHO director-deneral said: “The well-being of the individual is reason enough to act, but poor mental health can also have a debilitating impact on a person’s performance and productivity.” In short, taking care of mental health improves the quality of life for individuals and supports more productive workplaces and healthier societies as a whole.