Psychological stress in the healthcare system: clinics raise the alarm!

Psychological stress in the healthcare system: clinics raise the alarm!

In the Central Saxony region, there is a worrying trend: In the first half of 2024, mental illnesses were the main reason for work failures. A current health report from the DAK presents numbers that are alarming. In Central Saxony, 239 badges per 100 insured were recorded, with employees in health care particularly affected. Here, due to mental illnesses, the absent days were even 488 per 100 employees, which exerts high pressure on the clinics.

according to [sächsische.de] (https://www.saechsische.de/lokales/Mittelsachsen/mittelsachsen-so-wollen-kliniken-starke-psychische-psychische-bleben-Vrabil54zu5eadkxjkxjknmbuwbgd4.html?OutPuttype=valid_amp) sees Stefan Wandel, the land of the DAK-Gesundheit Saxony, the situation as acute. The proportion of unusual days due to depression rose by 13 percent. The causes of this are diverse and are often related to structural conditions in the workplace. These stressful factors bring not only the employees, but also the entire health care in the region in a difficult situation.

stress in healthcare

DAK health published an analysis in 2024 that illuminates the sick leave of 2.42 million employed people. Accordingly, depression increased by 50 percent compared to the previous year. There were a total of 342 absenteeism each with 100 employees due to mental illnesses, with employees in daycare centers and geriatric care particularly affected. Another concern is the increase in the absence of over 60 year olds, who rose from 169 to 249 days per 100 employees.

In addition, the DAK shows that the average sick leave due to psychological problems is almost 33 days and that long sick leave of 29 to 42 days has increased by 14 percent. Presseportal.de emphasizes that the need to take mental health into account is more urgent than ever, and recommends a company health management (BGM) for prevention.

support for employees

A step in the right direction seems to be the support for employees started in the healthcare system. Clinics offer various offers for promoting mental health. The Clinic, for example, provides information about support offers within the framework of company health care, while the Helios Klinik Leisnig already lists preventive measures and psychological consultations.

The Mittweida Clinic is still faced with the challenge of determining the specific proportion of mental illnesses in the event of sick leave. It is clear that the clinics are major employers in the region and the topic of mental health in whose management must be brought into the light more. Regular risk assessments and adaptations of working hours to family circumstances are essential components of this support.

need for action for companies

Responsibility for the implementation of measures to promote mental health is primarily with employers. In this context, scope for action and decision, an appropriate workload, as well as an appreciative cooperation. Openness to psychological problems can help to recognize and counter these important topics earlier.

It is undeniable that mental health plays an increasingly important role in working life. Current developments in Central Saxony clarify that a rethink is necessary to support both the employees and the health facilities.