Havas has released its latest research report ‘Mental Health: The Silent Pandemic and the Impossible Quest for Happiness.’
It fielded a survey among around 13,000 women and men in 30 markets worldwide to explore the silent pandemic.
The global agency aims to better understand how society regards mental health and what role brands can and should play in contributing to solutions.
The report uncovered a distinct societal change where personal well-being has become a key focus of concern and action, and youth are especially vulnerable to mental health challenges.
It focuses on four aspects of the mental health pandemic: the state of ‘unwell-being,’ the toll on youth, potential cures, and the role of brands.
It states two potential solutions to progress including medical intervention and change in modern lifestyle.
Everyday economic pressures, social alienation including loneliness and a disconnect from nature are all major sources of society’s distress.
While, social media has had a psychological impact on youth specifically. For example, adolescents who spent more than three hours a day on social media doubled their risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety.
Brands have the credibility to address mental health issues and opportunity to raise awareness and contribute to solutions.
We have seen an increase in corporate wellness offerings and employers have recognised that workers mental well-being is a key driver to engagement and productivity.
For example, Nike is among the employers that have gotten serious about employee well-being. In 2021, the company instituted an annual ‘Well-Being Week,’ when global offices are closed to allow workers to relax and recharge. Having everyone off work simultaneously makes it more likely that people’s time off won’t be affected by emails, calls, and other work-related interruptions.
In a nutshell the report states two potential solutions to progress including medical intervention and change in lifestyle.
You can view the full report here
