By Prakriti Poddar New Delhi (IANSlife), Nov 23, 2017 – A survey by Assocham revealed that almost 43% of Indian employees work in the private sector and have mental health problems.A WHO 2017 report also revealed that India is responsible for 18% of all global depression cases.
Although mental health concerns in the workplace are common, stigmatization often keeps people from seeking treatment.Stigma results from negative stereotypes and perceptions of mental illness and is a result of a lack in understanding.
Stigma can be external and include negative comments, judgments, or statements made by others.Internal stigma is when someone with mental illness receives these messages.
What is the Major Problem with Stigma?
Although most mental illnesses are treatable and common, employees often avoid talking about them because of the stigmatization or stereotypes that surround mental illness.Many employees, even in progressive workplaces, keep their mental illness under wraps because they fear that revealing it will damage their image, put at risk their work relationships or cause them to lose their jobs.
Untreated mental illness is more common in employees.Their risk of having a stroke or heart attack is doubled, and they are also twice as likely as people who have mental health problems to get type 2 diabetes.
All of this can lead to lost workdays and productivity losses that could have a significant impact on the performance of organizations.
What organisations can do to remove stigma from the workplace
Employees and the entire society can benefit from helping to improve their mental well-being and mental health at work.
These are just a few ways that organisations can help to remove stigma around mental health.
Awareness and open discussions
Awareness of mental illness and the difficulties faced by those with it will reduce stigma.
Companies can decrease stigmatization, discrimination and negative stereotypes about mental health.It is important to provide safe environments for employees to discuss their personal challenges and not be judged.
If employees openly talk about their problems, they shouldn’t be afraid of being excluded.This can be done by leaders sharing personal experiences.
Pay More Attention to Language
Different organizations use the same words to describe people suffering from mental disorders, such as “Downy”, “Scary”, and “Schizo.” It can be a significant contributor to stigmatizing mental health conditions.This is unacceptable and it’s time to stop this practice.
Increase Access to Resources and Programming
Employee assistance programs (EAPs) are used by many organizations to help employees with their mental health.
Although some employees might be reluctant to access this service due to stigma and shame, they can make a significant difference in creating an environment that is inclusive of all people and frees them from any discrimination and stigma.Employees can have direct access to apps and mental health professionals, as well as mental health services.
Mindfulness Training
Every company must promote a positive culture and recognize that mental illness is normal.Employees can receive mental health training to help recognize signs and provide support.
They can provide guidance through plays and other activities on how to listen without judgment, offer comfort, and evaluate the possibility of self-harm or suicide.
Organisations must make mental health stigma disappear.
It is far more important to have a common human connection with someone than it is to be apart.Everybody struggles with anxiety and doubt.
Empathy is essential to find common ground with others and to build upon it for opportunity and hope.
Prakriti Poddar, Director, Poddar Wellness Ltd
Contact IANSlife at [email protected]
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