October 10, Mental Health Day: at work, commitment, prevention and care

On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, which is celebrated every October 10, 

Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that 12 billion work days are lost each year due to depression and anxiety. In Europe, more than half of work absences are related to stress, according to the European Parliament, and in Spain, mental disorders are already the second cause of temporary disability.

Official data reflect a growing trend in the incidence of emotional disorders in the professional environment. According to the National Institute for Safety and Health at Work (INSST), between 2018 and 2024, sick leave due to emotional symptoms increased by 490%, diagnoses of severe stress by 230%, and anxiety disorders by 120%. 

Recently, during the technical conference organized by the INSST, an important message was conveyed: these data are not isolated phenomena, but rather a consequence of prolonged exposure to psychosocial risks such as high demands, low control, absence of support or job insecurity. Therefore, it is necessary to implement solid preventive management processes.

Defending mental health involves breaking the stigma, facilitating access to specialized resources and promoting an organizational culture that integrates psychological care as an essential part of workplace well-being through listening and empathy.