People living with mental health conditions have a right to work. A report by ILO and WHO on mental health highlights that employers should support people living with mental health conditions to gain, sustain and thrive in work, recommending three evidence-based interventions. These can increase inclusivity at work and help those with mental health conditions to fulfil their potential.
In addition to these actions, first and foremost it is vital for every employer to go the extra mile when it comes to mental health. In this context, every workplace will overcome the stigma and eliminate false beliefs about mental illness, that only cause significant problems.
3 key interventions for support
- Ensure reasonable accommodations at work: give individual workers flexible working hours, extra time to complete tasks and time off for mental health care.
- Design return-to-work programmes: these can combine work-directed care with ongoing evidence-based clinical care
- Launch initiatives to enhance vocational and economic inclusion for people with severe mental health conditions: social skills training or cognitive-behavioural therapy can help
5 Actions to overcome the stigma of mental health
#1 Admit you need and get treatment
Treatment can provide relief by identifying what’s wrong and reducing symptoms
#2 Don’t believe that your condition is a sign of personal weakness
Seek for counseling, educate yourself about your condition and connect with others
#3 Don’t isolate yourself
Reach out to people you trust for support and compassion
#4 Don’t equate yourself with your illness
Instead of saying “I’m bipolar,” say “I have bipolar disorder.”
#5 Speak out against stigma
Express your opinion publicly to instill courage in others facing similar challenges
Participate in our SEAFiT poll at https://safety4sea.com/poll/
BUILDING RESILIENCE: Read in this series
