OWC Health Awareness Series: Mental Health Month 2026
May is Mental Health Month, an annual campaign observed since 1949. For 2026, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has chosen the theme “Stigma grows in silence. Healing begins in community,” while Mental Health America (MHA) is promoting “More Good Days, Together.” Both campaigns highlight a fundamental truth: isolation exacerbates mental health challenges, and genuine connection is a protective factor.
For international employers, this message is directly relevant. Globally mobile employees face unique structural challenges that increase their vulnerability to mental health issues. Relocation, cultural adjustment, and distance from established support networks create a higher baseline of isolation. Addressing mental health in this context requires more than providing a list of resources; it requires building a culture of belonging and ensuring that benefits are accessible regardless of location.
About the OWC Health Awareness Series
One World Cover’s Health Awareness Series is a year-long program designed to help employers of globally mobile staff shine a spotlight on critical health issues. Each month we highlight one or more key condition or area of wellbeing – sharing practical resources, workplace tools, and communication materials that HR teams can use to educate and engage their employees. The aim is simple: to encourage prevention, promote early detection, and empower organizations to support the long-term health of their people.
READ MORE >> One World Cover’s Health Awareness Series: 2025-26 Refresh, New Topics
Understanding the Scale of the Challenge
The World Health Organization reports that more than one billion people are living with mental health disorders, and an estimated 12 billion working days are lost every year globally to depression and anxiety. The 2026 Cigna International Health Study found that 80% of globally mobile workers report feeling stressed, compared to 75% of the general population, and 58% reported feelings of loneliness or social exclusion.
💡Did you know? A 2026 NAMI poll found that only six in ten employees know how to access mental health care through their employer-sponsored health insurance, and 57% would not feel comfortable discussing mental health with their employer. This highlights a significant gap between the benefits provided and employees’ ability or willingness to use them.
What You Can Do: Fostering Connection
- Check in with colleagues: A simple conversation can make a significant difference. Even small moments of connection can reduce stress and anxiety.
- Share your experience: NAMI encourages individuals to share their stories to help break the stigma surrounding mental health. Normalising these conversations creates a safer environment for everyone.
- Utilise available resources: Familiarise yourself with your Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and the mental health benefits included in your international health insurance plan.
- Prioritise self-care: Mental and physical health are deeply connected. Prioritising sleep, nutrition, and movement supports overall wellbeing.
How Employers Can Support Mental Health Awareness
- Promote EAP utilisation: Active and frequent communication is required to ensure employees know their EAP exists and understand how to access it confidentially.
- Normalise the conversation: Leadership should model open discussions about mental health and stress management to reduce stigma and encourage employees to seek help early.
- Foster workplace belonging: Initiatives that build genuine connection among team members, especially those working remotely or in new locations, are critical protective factors against isolation.
- Review insurance coverage: Ensure your international health insurance plan provides comprehensive coverage for mental health, including outpatient therapy and psychiatric care. Verify that these benefits are accessible in the countries where your employees reside.
Resources: Employee Toolkits/Educational Materials
Mental Health America >> Informational Handouts, Posters, and DIY Tools
UK Mental Health Foundation >> Mental Health Awareness Week Top 10 Actions
Why Mental Awareness Matters for Employers
When employees struggle with unmanaged mental health conditions, the costs manifest in increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and higher turnover rates. Conversely, organisations that invest in mental health support and foster a culture of belonging see improved engagement and better long-term health outcomes.
🆘🆘🆘 If You Are in Crisis or Feeling Unsafe
If you are in a crisis (or another person may be in danger), are having thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or feel unable to stay safe, please seek help immediately.
You are not alone – support is available. The below resources can offer immediate help:
Dropdown list of international crisis centres and suicide hotlines (listed by country): www.betterhelp.com/gethelpnow
List of international suicide hotlines (listed by country): blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
Reaching out is a sign of strength. Help is available now.
Select EAP or IEAP Services:
Allianz Asia / Allianz Care
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https://awcsexpat.one.telushealth.com/home
Username: AllianzCare / Password: Expatriate
Allianz China
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APRIL Asia
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Cigna International
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Cigna China
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Cigna Africa
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cignaglobal.powerflexweb.com
MSH China
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Now Health China
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Prosper Health (China)
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Surego
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TieCare Connect
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tiecareconnect.com
Popular Expat Telehealth Therapy / Mental Health Providers:
Online counselling service for expats, providing culturally sensitive therapy in multiple languages- accessible from anywhere.
Cost: EUR130 (~US$150)
International teletherapy provider offering video sessions with therapists experienced in supporting expats’ mental health.
Cost: US$225-275
Online therapy platform. Cost: US$90 (BetterHelp operates on a subscription model: US$360/month for 4 sessions. Only sessions that actually happen will be reimbursed by PassportCard).
EAD MORE >> Are Subscription-Based Online Therapy Services Like BetterHelp Covered by International Health Insurance?
OWC Care: Personalised Health Support
OWC Care is your personalised health concierge service – here to support you with hospital navigation, accessing your insurer’s second opinion service, and assistance with complex treatment planning. Whether you’re dealing with a serious diagnosis or just need help finding the right provider, our team is here to guide you, every step of the way. **
** Important Note: While we help guide members to high-quality options, OWC Care does not act as a medical referral service. The final decision on where to seek care rests with the individual. We are not liable for any decisions made by the member or the medical provider.
