Sick days are costing UK employers £8,000,000,000 a year.[1] A staggering 12.7% of these sick days are taken due to mental health conditions.[2] Depression and anxiety in the workplace cannot be discriminated against. Some employees must have long stints off work due to their afflictions, resulting in companies paying sick leave as well as a the wages of a temporary replacement, needless to say that this can become highly costly. There is however an alternative; rTMS is a painless, medication free and fast-working treatment for depression and anxiety. Along with this treatment’s efficacy, it can also act as a financial ally to companies who not only want to ensure the soundness of their employee’s mental well-being, but save money in the process too.
The Issue for Employers
Employers have an obligation to look after their employees who struggle with mental health conditions. This issue is becoming more prevalent in the workplace and indeed this has been mirrored in the manifestos of the UK’s leading political parties, with both the Conservatives and the Labour Party promising to address the rapid growth of mental health conditions. In response to this growing prevalence of mental health conditions, some household names such as Tesco and M&S, along with 500 others, have committed to the ‘Time to Change’ initiative, and have pledged to do their upmost in tackling depression and anxiety in the workplace.
People suffer with different types and intensities of depression; as a result they will require more or less time off work. The average individual suffering with moderate depression will have between 6-8 months off work sick, from the start of their depressive symptoms to the point where they are starting to feel better. This 6-8 month period is usually taken off due to episodes, lethargy and the effects of anti-depressants. During this period of absence, it is the employer’s obligation to pay the individual who is off sick; they may also have to find a temporary replacement that will need to be paid.
This situation can be somewhat difficult for employers and CEOs. The mental welfare of their employees is important to them; however, they must ensure that the company runs seamlessly. The following case study will highlight a way in which the employer can save money, aid the individual in their employ and keep their business running smoothly.
Though rTMS treatment comes at a cost, it is a far more financially viable alternative to long and potentially indefinite periods of sick leave. This treatment will also allow your staff to continue their daily work, without the need to recruit temporary replacements which disrupt the flow of work. In turn this will also show your employees that they are valued and that their presence in work, as well as their mental health is important to you as their employer.
What is rTMS and Why is it the Way Forward?
Antidepressants are only effective for a third of the individuals who are prescribed them. Furthermore, it can take a great length of time to find the right type of antidepressants and adapt to their side effects. Psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, are beneficial; however, they can take a few months to make a positive impact on an individual. What then is the solution?
Repetitive Trans-cranial Magnetic Stimulations is a swift, pain-free, medication-free and effective treatment for anxiety and depression. Our patients don’t require months to get better; we see results within a matter of days. This treatment for depression and anxiety has been approved by NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence),[3] The RCPsych (The Royal College of Psychiatry).[4]
rTMS stimulates underperforming nerve cells found in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex; these nerves control our moods and emotions. Often they will be underperforming in individuals suffering with depression and anxiety. These cells are stimulated through the use of well-placed magnets and magnetic pulses which cause stimulation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The side effects are minimal; some patients can have a minor headache on the day of the treatment or may experience a facial twitching whilst having the treatment. However, the vast majority of patients respond very well to this treatment, and as there is no pain, they are conscious and aware throughout the process. This means our patients can come in during work, as well as before and after to have the treatment.
Our Service
Tranquil TMS is the first center in the North West to provide rTMS treatment. We are delighted with the work we have been able to do over the last year and strive to continue to do so with our growing clientele. It is in fact not only our mission, but our passion to deliver our fantastic and effective treatment to as many of those suffering as we can. Our treatment does come at a price, but it is insignificant in comparison to the difficulties caused by mental health conditions and indeed the financial burdens which come with sick leave.
If you would like to find out more about rTMS treatment and how it has helped our clients, then get in touch today. We also offer packages to companies to conduct comprehensive mental health assessments. These are often very well received by staff and can aid in discovering a mental health disorder before it has fully manifested itself in an individual.
If you, a colleague, a friend or a family member has been suffering with a mental health condition then do not hesitate to speak to us on the phone and book yourself in for a consultation. As people we understand the person behind the disorder, as doctors we know how to help.
Dr. Nikhila Deshpande
MRCPsych, DNB,DPM
Founder, Director and Consultant Psychiatrist Tranquil TMS
[1] Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, ‘Briefing 40: Removing Barriers: The facts about mental health and employment’, P. C. Koopmans, C. A. M. Roelen, and J. W. Groothoff, (2009)
[2] ONS. (2014). Full Report: Sickness Absence on the Labour Market, (2014).
[3] NICE, accessed at https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg542
[4] Royal College of Psychiatrists, accessed at;
hhtp://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/pdf/repetitivetranscranialmagneticstimulationectcteestatement