Mental Health Leave Paradox

Methodology: This study surveyed 3,002 U.S. adults to understand the financial impact of mental health challenges and substance use issues on the ability to work. Respondents were first asked whether they had experienced a mental health or substance use issue that affected their capacity to work, and those who had were then asked to estimate the percentage of their income lost due to time off or reduced work as a result. The sample was structured to ensure balanced representation across age, gender, employment status, and geographic region. To estimate the total income loss across the United States, researchers combined self-reported income loss percentages with employment data to model the national financial impact among working adults who experienced reduced earnings linked to mental health challenges. Conducted in January 2026, the study provides a nationwide estimate of income lost due to mental health–related work disruption.