Time to Prioritize Mental Health at Workplace

  •   Thu, Oct 10 2024
  •   By Dr Supriya Hegde Aroor

October 10, 2024 

Rikita* wanted to quit her IT job. She was getting pressurised to clock in more hours by her manager to meet the project deadline. Her last appraisal was also not up to the mark and her work was getting tougher for her with each passing day. She started taking sudden sick leaves and spending more and more time in bed. Her HR started contacting her regarding this unprofessional and unannounced leaves, for which she had no valid answer. Could she state her mental health issues? Would it affect her work? Why did she wait for so long to consult a Psychiatrist? When will she be able to be her normal self again? 

Rikita* is not alone. Approximately 15% of working-age adults live with a mental disorder.

12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety.

It costs the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year from reduced productivity.

An Indian workplaces study found that a range of 10% to 52.9% of workers suffered from depression and a range of 7% to 57% of workers suffered from anxiety, while a range of 3.8% to 75.5% of workers suffered from workplace stress. 

How does mental illness affect workplace? 

It can affect a person’s confidence and identity at work, capacity to work productively, absences from work increase. It may result in loss of job and livelihood affecting the person and his entire household. 

What are the barriers in seeking help for mental illness? 

Social stigma

Lack of awareness about impact of untreated mental illness

Fear of societal reaction

Fewer number of trained mental health professionals especially in smaller towns and villages

Lack of resources

Lack of adequate support from employer

Lack of proper insurance coverage in case of admissions for mental illness 

What may be the symptoms mental illness in a colleague at work? 

Change in his normal behaviour and routine

Shrugging responsibilities at work

Looking depressed and dejected

Slow in thinking and work execution

Sudden anger outbursts

Unplanned absence from work

Using alcohol and smoking to cope with stress

Negative talk 

What is the way forward? How should employers and colleagues help persons with mental illness at workplace? 

First is the let go of personal prejudices and understand that mental illness are as biological as any physical illness

Mental illnesses are on the rise and you cannot be in denial or wish it away.

To be empathetic that the colleague who may be vulnerable to negative remarks and comments

To support seeking help from trained mental health professionals- Psychiatrists and Clinical Psychologists

To avoid wasting resources on non- scientific ways of treatment and quackery

To assist with sick leaves and health insurance benefits for mental illness

And as the person recovers…

To assist in slow integration into work again with recovery 

We are seeing an alarming rise of Mental illnesses in our country. In today’s fast paced, hectic and competitive world, stress levels surge. This can hugely contribute to falling prey to mental illness. 

Being employed, contributes to income and identity but is known to elevate stress levels. A large proportion of our population consists of adults who are working. A significant percentage is suffering from mental illness. Many of them don’t seek correct treatment for various reasons. This results in lot of absenteeism, reduced quality of life and low productivity. Some even give up completely and take early retirement from active work life.

This can improve if we adopt a more scientific and rational attitude towards mental illness. With proper treatment these persons can become productive again and useful working members of society.

 

 

 
By Dr Supriya Hegde Aroor
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