Mental health stigma is an impediment in today’s world, preventing people from receiving the mental health care they require to get through life’s lows.
“Mental health stigma is a negative view or attitude toward people who are struggling with their mental health, including those who are living with a mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression.” just over half (54%) of people with a mental health condition do not seek treatment. The longer a person waits for treatment, the more likely they are to take leave, with serious consequences not only for the worker, but also for the team and the workplace.

Stigma may prevent someone suffering from a mental health problem from seeking help in a timely manner.
Stigma may cause workers to hide or ignore risks to their mental health in order to avoid negative workplace consequences such as being treated differently or losing their job. This, in turn, can impede employers’ ability to identify and respond to risks, potentially leading to more severe health outcomes for workers.

It is assumed or implied that a mental health condition will result in societal disapproval, and that people who live with a mental illness or seek help for emotional distress are shamed.

When employees see this behaviour modelled, it helps to shift their perception and increase their comfort level with discussing mental health, which is still considered a taboo subject.

Mental health stigma in the workplace is frequently overlooked, but it has a significant impact on employee health and well-being, workplace culture, productivity levels, and overall job satisfaction. It’s time to end the stigma, normalise mental health, and ensure that everyone has equal access to the help they need when they need it the most. It is normal to not be okay, to struggle with mental health issues, and to seek assistance when necessary.