Stigma in the Workplace Keeps People From Getting Help in South Africa Too

I don’t know that I have a lot of readers in South Africa, but the quote from this article does go to show that this is a worldwide problem. Living in the US, and being connected to a number of folks from the UK and Australia, I may hear and read about it more in those societies, but it goes on all over:

Psychiatrist and leadership lecturer at the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB), Dr Renata Schoeman previously told Health24, “Stigma, born out of ignorance, prejudice or fear, is a major problem in the workplace, creating a situation where employees choose to rather suffer in silence. One can understand their reluctance to seek support or report their condition, especially in the current economic climate where they might fear losing their job. As a result mental health problems often go undiagnosed and untreated, not only to the detriment of the individual’s career and health but also directly impacting the workplace’s bottom line.”

She said that although policies and guidelines are necessary in the workplace, those alone will not make a difference. Instead, companies need to foster a supportive culture of understanding and acceptance around mental illness.

For more information, I would definitely check out the articles they link as resources, especially in light of suicide being in the news there.

Breaking the stigma: Mental health in the workplace – 5 articles you must read