The critical need to address mental health in our workplace and community
NH is confronting a medical crisis, but there are ways to effect positive change
The critical need to address mental health in our workplace and community
NH is confronting a medical crisis, but there are ways to effect positive change
New Hampshire is confronting a mental health crisis with an impact on not only individuals and families, but also on businesses, communities and our state’s economy.
As a partner in a behavioral health practice with multiple locations in New Hampshire, my colleagues and I see this crisis up close every day. We see parents balancing work and caregiving for a child in crisis. We speak to employees of New Hampshire workplaces struggling silently with anxiety or depression until it becomes unmanageable. And we hear stories of the gaps in access that too often force people to wait months for care they need today.
The state of mental health in New Hampshire
Nearly 259,000 adults — one in five Granite Staters — experience a mental health condition each year.
In 2022, New Hampshire lost 247 lives to suicide, and roughly 55,000 adults report serious thoughts of suicide annually.
Nearly 42% of adults who report needing mental health care do not receive it, most often citing cost or lack of available providers.
These are not just numbers to us. These are the patients who walk through our doors and the employers who call us asking how to help an employee in crisis. When people cannot access care quickly, conditions worsen — affecting families, workplaces and entire communities.
The business and workforce impact
Untreated mental health conditions cost U.S. employers nearly $47 billion each year in lost productivity. Here in New Hampshire, community mental health centers serve 60,000+ citizens annually.
Economic, funding and workforce challenges create voids in New Hampshire’s mental health care structure. This shortage makes it harder for businesses to get employees the help they need, and harder for employees to stay healthy and engaged at work.
The good news is that workplace initiatives do work. When employers take action, lives are changed, and businesses benefit through lower turnover, better morale and improved productivity.
What businesses can do, and why it matters
As behavioral health providers, we see that early intervention is key. Employers are often the first to notice when something is wrong, which makes them essential partners in prevention and support.
Here are steps every business can take:
- Normalize conversations about mental health. Break down stigma by encouraging open dialogue and visible support from leadership.
- Expand access to care. Ensure that health plans provide robust behavioral health coverage.
- Train managers and HR teams. Equip them with tools to recognize warning signs and respond appropriately.
- Collaborate with local providers. Partner with practices to create referral pipelines and reduce wait times for care.
A call to action
Our workplaces can be a powerful force for mental wellness, but only if we act. As employers and providers, we believe supporting mental health is not only an imperative but also a sound business decision. Together, we can create a healthier workforce, reduce costs and strengthen the communities we live and work in.
The need is urgent. The time is now.
Let’s lead New Hampshire toward a future where every employee has the opportunity to thrive.
Betsy Harrison is a founding partner, along with Susan Borchert, of Counseling Associates of New London, a multisite, multispecialty behavioral health practice with eight locations in New Hampshire (and one in Mississippi). New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility produces “Sustainability Spotlight” monthly for NH Business Review.
