Mental health stigma
Mental health is a pressing issue for many . In 2021 , a quarter of Canadians reported having symptoms of a mental health disorder . Five million reported needing professional help , and over one-third said they were burned out . Forty per cent of workers aged 18 to 24 indicated they were at a “ breaking point .”
Although many employers are starting to recognize the importance of mental health support in the workplace , stigma still persists , resulting in negative attitudes and discriminatory behaviours .
Leaders play a crucial role in addressing mental health stigma by modelling risk and vulnerability . By using informal communication , like sharing stories about their personal struggles , leaders can support the mental health of their employees .
There is growing evidence that shows stigma decreases when leaders disclose their own mental health and substance use problems . This reduction in stigma , in turn , encourages employees to share their own stories and seek out treatment .
Being mindful of language
Leaders need to be careful about how they go about addressing stigma . Even those with good intentions can unintentionally cause harm . For example , using the word resilience to discuss mental health can be problematic .
Framing resilience as a necessary skill for battling mental illness overlooks the fact that some mental health conditions are disabilities that cannot be toughed out . Assuming that mental toughness is an inextricable part of addressing disability is a form of ableism .
Any employee who is suffering from mental health issues that cannot be fixed by resilience may avoid telling their story or
One way to fight mental health stigma at work is by encouraging workplace leaders to share stories about their personal struggles . ( Shutterstock )
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