It is important for a workplace to be open about and promote awareness of mental illness, as lack of knowledge underlies stigma. People who have a mental illness face the highest degree of stigmatisation in the workplace and the greatest barriers to employment opportunities. By becoming more informed about mental illness, you can help alleviate stigma and reduce unnecessary stress for people who have a mental illness. Removing the barriers to education, open discussion, flexibility and acceptance will ultimately allow those needing medical attention and social support to seek help and receive it.
Opening up the conversation
- You might like to remind people in your team that though it is not visible, mental illness affects one in five people and is therefore very common.
- People might be interested to know that workplace strategies to reduce stress can also reduce the incidence of mental illness.
- People at work like to gossip and in those conversations mental illness is often talked about negatively and inaccurately. Use these opportunities to challenge people’s assumptions and misinformation. Discuss stories about mental illness that challenge myths and celebrate the strengths of those who courageously live with and recover from mental illness.
- Equip yourself with some facts, statistics and basic information about mental illness so that you can stimulate conversation and broaden other people’s understanding.
More information?
Useful information and strategies are contained in an e-learning course, Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace which is available by contacting a Job Access Adviser on 1800 464 800 or using the Online Enquiry Form.