Anxiety and depression affect the quality of life of thousands of workers in Colombia: 34% are absent from mental health work

Saturday 26th April 2025 09:03 PM

Anxiety and depression are the most common disorders in Colombian workers, but they are often underestimated – Healthday credit

In Colombia, one in three workers faces challenges related to mental Health that directly affect their ability to work effectively, an alarming figure that highlights the importance of addressing anxiety, depression and other psychological disorders within the workplace.

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common disorders that affect workers in Colombiabut they are often invisible conditions that are underestimated in the work environment.

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The world Health Organization (WHO) points out that anxiety disorders are the most common of all mental disorders, as they affect millions of people in the world, and many of them are workers who experience an intensity of fear and excessive concern.

On the other hand, depression is another psychological condition that deeply affects working life. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), depression is a common but serious illness that can be disabling. Interferes with the ability to work, sleep, study and enjoy life.

34% of workers in Colombia are absent due to mental health disorders, according to a Sura -Credit Istock study

According to WHO, physical and behavioral symptoms such as the feeling of tiredness and difficulty making decisions, are some of the visible effects of these employee disorders.

But anxiety and depression, although they are not always so visible, are responsible for a high percentage of labor absences. In Colombia, according to the study by Sura Insurance, approximately 34% of workers are forced to absent from work due to these medical conditions. The reason behind these absences is linked to the inability of employees to perform properly due to their state of mental health.

Although there are effective treatments for anxiety and depression, such as psychological intervention and medication, many people do not receive the help they need. According to PAHO, adequate treatment for depression and anxiety includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, antidepressant medication or a combination of both.

However, Although social stigma is younger day, the lack of awareness about the nature of these disorders make it difficult for employees to seek help. In addition, the shortage of trained mental health professionals in many regions of Colombia makes the care services limited.

alert signals should be identified as loss of interest, difficulty concentrating, isolation, low productivity and persistent fatigue – Healthday credit

In addition, the company’s support must go beyond the simple offer of medical services; It must also include an organizational culture that dismiss mental health problems. Workers should feel comfortable by communicating their difficulties without fear of being discriminated or labeled.

The implementation of proactive and preventive measures could contribute significantly to reduce labor absences and improve employee performance.

Therefore, and, about World Safety and Health Day at work, which is held every April 28, the Sure Sura company issued a series of alert signals and advice so that companies can recognize mental health as a key welfare factor and an essential component of competitiveness.

Companies must promote an organizational culture that dismiss mental health problems and support workers – infobae illustrative image

According to Mónica Lorena Vargas, leader of Labor Mental Health in Insurance Sura, “talking openly of mental health in the work environment is key to creating more human, sustainable and competitive organizations. Addressing these issues in an open way helps demystify mental disorders, foster support cultures and strengthen the ability of companies to face the emotional challenges of their teams.”

Recognize the signs of mental health, both on a personal level and in the interaction with others, allows to activate prevention and care mechanisms that contribute to the healthy well -being and development of the work environment. According to WHO, some symptoms and behaviors to consider are:

From the individual experience: The worker may experience loss of interest in everyday activities, difficulties in concentrating or making decisions, alterations in sleep, feelings of uselessness or irritability, and changes in appetite.
From the perspective of the classmates: Behaviors such as isolation, apathy, oblivion of tasks, constant distraction, procrastination, low productivity, delays, persistent fatigue, occupational accidents, loss of confidence, tensions in relationships with the equipment or changes in personal appearance can be observed.

World Safety and Health Day at work underlines the importance of recognizing mental health as a key to well -being and business competitiveness – Istock credit

During 2024, the Sura Insurance Mental Health Care line made about 17,500 accompaniments. 90% were related to emotional crises and 10% with the strengthening of coping skills.

Based on its experience, the company shared some key recommendations:

For workers: It is suggested to adopt healthy rest habits, food and physical activity, organize their time, perform active breaks, maintain positive relationships with their classmates and respect labor, own and others.
For companies: It is proposed to strengthen the role of leaders as promoters of well -being, promote an open support and dialogue culture, guarantee clarity in functions, promote the balance between personal and work life, activate timely care routes and train teams in confrontation and psychological first aid strategies.