What Workers’ Comp Can Glean from the Connection of Digestive Health to Mental Wellness

When trying to improve workers’ compensation outcomes, there is a mental health aspect that must be considered. According to a large epidemiological study conducted by the University of Michigan, 50% of the U.S. population will struggle with a mental health issue at some point in their lives.

This study also revealed that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death overall. World Health Organization (WHO) data revealed that 25% of all health-related disability is due to mental health and substance use conditions — eight times more than disability caused by heart disease and 40 times more than cancer.

The workers’ compensation arena is not immune to this increase in mental health issues. Yet there is a shortage of mental health professionals, and in many cases, access is not easy. However, in the face of this bleak landscape, there are stirrings of change that offer hope of help from an unexpected quarter.