How Mental Health Struggles Are Costing New Yorkers Billions

You probably know someone (maybe it’s you) who’s struggled to keep up at work because of stress, anxiety, depression, or maybe something harder to talk about, like substance use. What you might not realize is just how much that struggle is costing us, not just personally. It’s costing us as a state, too.

A study from RenaissanceRecovery.com surveyed over 3,000 employees nationwide and found that, here in New York, we’ve collectively lost a jaw-dropping $79.4 billion in income due to mental health and substance use issues over the past five years. That’s over $12,700 lost per affected employee. Let that sink in: the impact isn’t just emotional. It hits our paychecks, families, and futures.

New York’s Mental Health Crisis Stands Out Nationally

New York isn’t unique in facing this problem, but our losses are among the highest in the nation. The study found that, across the U.S., 41% of workers said mental health or substance use challenges affected their ability to work. On average, that meant losing about 16% of their income. That’s over $10,000 per person in five years.

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Here’s how we stack up: Massachusetts workers reported the biggest hit at $14,050 lost, while Mississippi workers lost about half that. But whether it’s $7,000 or $14,000, the bottom line is the same. People are struggling, and it’s costing us all.

Legal Protections for Mental Health Leave Remain a Mystery

So, why are so many New Yorkers losing out? Part of the answer is confusion and silence. The survey found that a shocking number of us don’t know our rights when it comes to taking time off for mental health or substance use treatment.

Fewer than half of workers knew that federal law (the Family and Medical Leave Act, or FMLA) lets eligible employees take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for serious health conditions. That includes mental health and substance issues. But only about a third of people said they were really familiar with FMLA. A lot of us have heard the name, but don’t know what it really means. Or that it applies to mental health.

Even worse. When asked what qualifies for protected leave, people overwhelmingly picked physical illness or surgery. Only 15% thought mental health treatment counted, and just 3% recognized substance use treatment as a valid reason. That leaves a lot of us suffering in silence, afraid to step away when we need help.

Barriers That Keep Workers Quiet

If you’ve ever worked through a rough patch instead of taking leave, you’re not alone. The study found that New Yorkers (and workers everywhere) are often driven by fear: fear of losing their jobs, fear of being seen as unreliable, or simply not knowing that leave is an option. Money matters, too. Many can’t afford unpaid time off.

Losing income was the top concern (34%), followed by being fired or laid off, or worrying that their reputation would take a hit. In fact, more than half of workers admitted they’d lie or downplay the real reason for needing time off. Most would rather say they were sick with a physical illness than admit to a mental health struggle.

What Happens When We Don’t Take Leave

Here’s the kicker. Trying to tough it out doesn’t actually help. Among those who kept working through mental health or substance use issues, nearly a third said their anxiety or stress got worse, and over a quarter experienced full-on burnout. Some saw their physical health tank, made more mistakes at work, or missed deadlines.

What about the long-term? More than 60% said not taking leave made their condition worse. Two out of five said it hurt their careers. They reported slower promotions, missed opportunities, and even leaving their jobs altogether. On average, people estimated they lost over $10,000 in income just by delaying treatment or pushing through instead of taking time off.

The Workplace Culture Divide on Mental Health

The answer is complicated. About half of workers said their workplace encourages people to prioritize mental health. But the other half felt they were expected to suck it up and keep working. More than half believed that taking leave would get you punished, not supported.

That’s a culture problem. It’s costing us dearly.

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How Do We Move Forward?

Education and trust. We need to know our rights, understand what benefits are available, and feel safe asking for help. FMLA may not fix everything, especially since it’s unpaid, but it’s there. In some cases, employer or state programs can help cover lost wages. The first step is knowing what you’re entitled to. Don’t let fear or confusion keep you from getting the help you need.

Bottom line. We can’t afford to keep ignoring mental health at work. Not as individuals, not as a state. Let’s start talking, get informed, and support each other. Silence is costing us more than we realize.