Theoutlook for mental health is poor, given the resurgence ofinfection rates in several cities, the uncertainties about schoolsreopening, and the challenges employees will have going back towork. (Photo: Shutterstock)

The mental health of the U.S. workforce improved slightly lastmonth, but employees remain at much higher risk for problems likeanxiety and depressive disorder due to the COVID-19 pandemic,according to Total Brain.

Total Brain, an app platform that provides computerized,self-monitoring assessments of the mental health of U.S. workers toboth employers and health care providers, has compiled monthly samples of its data since February,in partnership with the National Alliance of Healthcare PurchaserCoalitions and One Mind at Work. In June, Total Brain found thenumber of employees at risk for mental health conditions remained"alarmingly elevated," when compared to just before thepandemic.

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The June index found an increased risk of 54% for depressivedisorder, 49% for PTSD, 41% for general anxiety disorder and 11%for addiction. Still, the June data found onebright spot: From May 3 to June 28, there was a 27% decrease in thenumber of women at risk for depressive disorder and a 20% decreasein women with general anxiety disorder risks.

Total Brain attributed those decreases to the end of the schoolyear, improvements in the infection rates of the coronavirus, andthe reopening of certain businesses just as summer began.

"Generally speaking, what we saw in June was a softening ofmental health risks," said Total Brain CEO Louis Gagnon. "The risksdecreased as the economy reopened, and as people went to the beachand summer arrived. People got used to the idea that COVID wasthere and they were much more positive, generally speaking, andthat was true, especially for women, who happened to be, prior toJune, the ones that were the most taxed in terms of risk."

Gagnon wasn't optimistic about July, however, given theresurgence of infection rates in several cities, the uncertaintiesabout schools reopening, and the challenges employees will have inbeing able to go back to work.

"The problem with uncertainty is it creates fear, and the fearhas nowhere to go because you don't know if there's an end to thisbad situation," he said. "More uncertainty is going to affecteverything."

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