Fight the stigma of mental health in the workplace
Stigma is one of the most significant concerns in mental health, and we should consider it a health crisis. People with mental health disorders suffer stigmatization because of their diagnosis and often describe the effects of stigma as worse than the disorder itself (Vigo, D, 2016).
Stigma and discrimination can lead to disadvantages in many aspects of life, such as personal relationships, education, and employment (Thornicroft, G. et al., 2016). According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , stigma is a major cause of discrimination and exclusion. It hinders the prevention of mental health disorders, the promotion of mental well-being, and the provision of treatment and care. Furthermore, it affects people's self-esteem, disrupts family relationships, and limits their ability to socialize and obtain employment.
People who suffer stigmatization and discrimination are more likely to experience the following (adapted from Very well Mind, 2020 ):
- Reluctance to seek treatment
- Delay in treatment
- Rejection, distancing, and social isolation
- Worse psychological well-being
- Lack of understanding between friends and family
- Harassment, violence or intimidation
- Poor quality of life and greater socioeconomic burden
- Increased feelings of shame and self-doubt
We can describe mental health stigma as the social dishonor, disapproval, or discrediting of people who have a mental health problem (Subu, MA, et al., 2021). Several definitions and models of stigma exist, as research on the topic has increased in recent decades.
According to Corrigan, PW et al. (2012), stigma includes stereotypes (negative beliefs about stigmatized groups), prejudice (approval of stereotypes that leads to emotional responses), and discrimination (the behavioral outcome of prejudice, such as exclusion from social opportunities). Link and Phelan (2001) describe stigma as the concurrence of labeling, separation (“us” from “them”), stereotype awareness, stereotype approval, prejudice, and discrimination in a context where social, economic, or political power is exercised to the detriment of members of a social group.
Types of stigma
Furthermore, we can talk about different types of stigma:
- Public stigma involves the negative attitudes others have about mental health problems. For example, the belief that people with mental health problems are more dangerous or that mental disorders are caused by "bad genes."
- Self-stigma occurs when people with mental disorders accept stereotypes, endorse prejudiced beliefs, and lose self-esteem and self-efficacy.
- Structural stigma (including workplace stigma ) is more systemic. It refers to policies that limit opportunities for people with mental health problems, such as limited access to employment or lost opportunities for advancement.
According to Corrigan, PW et al. (2014), stigma interferes with self-care-seeking decisions and behaviors , especially when public stigma leads to avoidance of labeling. People try to avoid the unfair loss of opportunities resulting from stigmatizing labeling (for example, when they do not seek mental health professionals because they are associated with prejudice).
The following matrix illustrates the different components of stigma and how it can affect a person with mental health problems:
| Public stigma | Self-stigma | Avoid labels | Structural stigma | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stereotypes and prejudices | People with mental health disorders are incompetent. | I am incompetent (which leads to a decrease in self-esteem and self-efficacy). | I perceive that people with mental health problems are discriminated against. | Stereotypes are reflected in legislation and other entities. |
| Discrimination | Employers will not hire them | "Why try" effect: someone like me can't work. | I don't want that to happen to me, and I won't seek help to avoid being labeled. | It leads to the loss of opportunities (intentional and unintentional). |
Work, the area where stigma has the most significant impact
According to the International Labour Organization's (ILO) benchmark report on mental health (2017) , stigmatization and discrimination are among the most significant challenges in mental health . Furthermore, while several disorders lead to stigmatization and discrimination, mental disorders rank second only to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
- Although the stigma surrounding mental health affects many aspects of a person's life, it is in the workplace where it has the most significant impact and is experienced in all aspects of the employment process.
- Many employers believe that people with mental health problems are worse at their jobs or incompetent.
- Compared to physically ill employees, workers returning to work after a leave of absence due to mental health problems are more likely to be questioned, demoted or supervised, or even fired.
According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA) , in a recent national survey (APA Press Release, 2019), approximately half of employees were afraid to discuss mental health problems at work. Furthermore, more than one in three were concerned about the consequences of seeking mental health care, including the possibility of being fired.
It is essential to combat stigma and raise awareness about mental health in the workplace. Employers must recognize the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding mental health and implement awareness and anti-stigma campaigns.
Strategies to reduce stigma
The APA suggests several strategies to reduce mental health stigma, both at the individual and organizational levels. First, follow the recommendations of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for addressing stigma as individuals:
- Talking openly about mental health.
- Educating oneself and others.
- Being aware of language.
- Promote equality between physical illnesses and mental health disorders.
- Show compassion.
- Choose empowerment instead of shame.
- Talk openly about the treatment.
- Alert the media when they stigmatize.
- Do not stigmatize yourself.
Second, employers and organizations can turn to The Working Well Toolkit (APA Center for Workplace Mental Health, 2016) , which offers human resources professionals and business leaders strategies for addressing stigma, among other resources. For example:
- Adapt programs and approaches to the company's culture and strengths.
- Mention the commitment to leading a behaviorally healthy workplace whenever discussing the organization's commitment to its overall health culture, attracting and retaining top talent, and valuing employees.
- Help managers identify emotional distress and refer them to mental health resources.
- Provide adequate vacation time.
- Establish a work-life balance model. Pay attention to workload.
- Train managers/executives to respond appropriately and understand their role in supporting employees.
The Toolkit also describes different programs that entrepreneurs can implement to reduce stigma and start a conversation about mental health.
Furthermore, the ILO Global Business and Disability Network (Mental Health at Work Resources) also offers resources that employers can use to combat stigma and raise awareness about mental health.
Article provided by Empower . Author: Kerry Rodríguez McGreevy
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