This is Why Regular, Traditional Mental Health Treatments Are Failing

Why traditional mental health methods are falling short in 2024’s fast-paced work environments
Why traditional mental health methods are falling short in 2024’s fast-paced work environments

As workplace demands continue to change & evolve, the pressure on employees to be more creative, adaptive, and resilient has never been greater. However, with rising stress levels and widespread mental health challenges, many traditional methods of mental health treatment are falling short, leaving both any employee and employer at risk.

The Limitations of Traditional Mental Health Approaches  

For decades, traditional mental health treatments e.g antidepressants, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and employee assistance programs (EAPs) have been the cornerstone of mental health care. 

And while these methods have their place, they are not always sufficient for today’s fast-paced, high-stress work environments.

Delayed results: Traditional treatments often take months or even years to show results. This wait can cause: Less work getting done (productivity loss), more missed days (absenteeism) and higher medical bills/increased healthcare costs.

Lack of efficacy for many: Up to 60% of people are treatment-resistant. Meaning that for many people, traditional treatments simply don’t work, this is because they fail to tackle the root cause of the issue in the first place. Antidepressants, for instance, still see symptoms return for up to 33% of people who take them. Leaving a significant portion of the workforce struggling & ultimately leading to a massive landslide decline in work performance.   

Stigma and accessibility: Despite the growing awareness, there is still a stigma attached to seeking mental health care, especially in certain industries and communities. Additionally, traditional methods can be inaccessible for many employees due to long wait times, high costs, or lack of nearby providers. This often results in untreated mental health conditions, which can spiral into more severe problems over time.

The Need for Alternative Solutions: SGB and Ketamine-Assisted Therapy

In response to the shortcomings of traditional treatments, alternative solutions like Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) and Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT) have been discovered as effective, powerful tools in the fight against mental health disorders.

What Is SGB?

Stellate Ganglion Block is an injection of local anesthetic into a group of nerves in your neck, it has been shown to alleviate symptoms of PTSD and anxiety. 

Unlike traditional therapies, SGB can provide rapid relief, sometimes within hours, making it the game-changer for individuals who need immediate intervention.

What Is Ketamine-Assisted Therapy?

Ketamine, originally used as an anesthetic, has been repurposed as a treatment for severe depression and other mental health conditions.

Administered in controlled doses under certified, professional supervision, ketamine can rapidly reduce symptoms of depression, even in patients who have not responded to other treatments. KAT combines this with psychotherapy, enhancing the long-term benefits of the treatment.

The Benefits of Alternative Solutions for Employers

Adopting alternative mental health solutions like SGB and KAT isn’t just about providing better care for employees, it’s about safeguarding your business’s future.

Faster results, better productivity: Unlike traditional treatments that can take weeks to show effects, SGB and KAT often deliver rapid relief. This means employees can return to their full capacity sooner, reducing the impact of mental health issues on productivity and workplace morale.

Reduced absenteeism and turnover: Employees struggling with untreated or poorly managed mental health conditions are more likely to miss work or leave their jobs entirely. By offering effective treatments that work quickly, employers can reduce absenteeism and turnover, saving significant costs in the long run.

Improved employee engagement and well-being: Offering cutting-edge mental health solutions demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being. This not only boosts engagement but also helps retain top talent, as employees are more likely to stay with a company that prioritizes their mental health.

The Future of Mental Health Care in the Workplace

Mental health care is changing, and employers are being forced to adapt to meet the needs of their workforce. Traditional methods, while still valuable, are not enough on their own. 

By integrating alternative solutions like SGB and Ketamine-Assisted Therapy into their mental health benefits, employers can provide the comprehensive support their employees need to thrive.

At Enthea, we are at the forefront of mental health care & as the only third-party administrator currently allowed to offer Ketamine-Assisted Therapy as a work benefit, we are in a unique position to help employers navigate this new landscape. 

You can be confident knowing that your employees are in the safest hands for mental health support, ensuring not only their well-being but also the success of your business.

Learn More About the SGB & KAT 

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