Mental health leaves are increasingly common for US workers

Apnews - Apr 17th, 2025

Carolina Lasso's experience exemplifies a growing trend where employees are taking mental health leaves to address emotional and psychological issues that impede their professional and personal lives. After a panic attack during a company meeting, Lasso, amid personal challenges, opted for a six-month mental health leave. Her story highlights the increasing recognition among employers of the importance of mental health, encouraging workers to prioritize their well-being without fearing professional repercussions. ComPsych Corp. and other companies are advocating for such initiatives, stressing the need for mental health support to prevent burnout.

The broader context reflects a societal shift catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has heightened awareness of mental health issues. Major depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders have been prevalent among employees seeking mental health leaves, as noted by Alight, a company handling leaves and benefits. The story underscores the importance of reducing the stigma around mental health and fostering an open dialogue in workplaces. Individuals like Newton Cheng and Rosalie Mae have publicly shared their struggles, setting a precedent for others to seek necessary support, thereby promoting a more humane work environment.

Covid 19 Pandemic Carolina Lasso Mental Health Leave Work Culture Com Psych Corp. Employee Well Being Newton Cheng Rosalie Mae

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

8.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively addresses the growing trend of mental health leaves among U.S. workers, supported by credible sources and expert insights. It balances personal stories with broader contextual information, providing a comprehensive view of the issue. While the article could benefit from more explicit source citations and employer perspectives, it remains a timely and relevant piece that contributes positively to the discourse on mental health in the workplace. Its clarity and accessibility make it suitable for a wide audience, encouraging further discussion and awareness on this important topic.

Accuracy

The article presents a largely accurate depiction of the increasing trend of mental health leaves among U.S. workers. It accurately cites common diagnoses such as depression and anxiety, which are frequently noted in reports as leading reasons for mental health leaves. The description of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and its provisions aligns with legal standards, offering a precise account of the legal framework for such leaves. The personal anecdotes of individuals taking mental health leave add a human element to the facts, though they require verification for precision. Overall, the article's claims are well-supported by data from reputable sources like ComPsych and SHRM.

Balance

The article provides a balanced view by including perspectives from both employees who have taken mental health leave and experts in the field. It discusses the stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace and the growing acceptance of mental health leaves, offering a comprehensive look at the issue. However, it could have included more perspectives from employers or HR professionals directly to provide a fuller picture of the challenges and considerations from the organizational side.

Clarity

The article is well-written, with clear and concise language that effectively communicates the issue of mental health leaves. The structure is logical, beginning with personal stories and expanding to broader trends and expert insights. The tone is neutral and informative, making the article accessible to a wide audience. It avoids jargon and complex language, ensuring that the message is easily understood.

Source quality

The article references credible sources such as ComPsych and includes expert opinions from clinical directors and individuals with firsthand experiences. The use of personal stories adds depth, though it would have been beneficial to have more direct citations from studies or reports to further bolster the claims. The reliance on authoritative sources enhances the reliability of the information presented.

Transparency

The article is transparent in its intent to highlight the importance of mental health awareness and the growing trend of taking mental health leaves. It clearly states the context of the pandemic's impact on mental health. However, the methodology behind some claims, such as the exact increase in mental health leaves, could be more explicitly detailed. The article could benefit from more explicit mention of the data sources and their collection methods.