The working world we live in requires an income to maintain provisions for shelter, food, and other needs or wants. When living with mental complexities, avoiding the stigma around mental health in the workplace can be challenging. Some companies have policies and procedures to protect you from being discriminated against or uncomfortable. However, many things can slip and fall through the cracks.
Unfortunately, the stigma attached to mental health issues allows people to be placed in invisible boxes when others are privy to their challenges. No one should be made to feel out of place or like an outcast due to a mental health condition. However, the fact that it should not happen does not change the reality that it does.
Stigma is almost like a stain. It is a negatively biased association or opinion of any condition or circumstance. Mental health stigma, however, is collective dispositions and beliefs contributing to discrimination against individuals with mental health problems. It can cause people to feel ostracised and isolated.
Stigma can also sometimes prevent people who need help from seeking it. Our beliefs about ourselves can easily be determined by others’ beliefs about us if we let them in. This is why it is crucial to combat the stigma around mental health by promoting understanding and acceptance of mental health conditions. Often it is the absence of knowledge that breeds the fool in which stigma can exist.
As work is not an obligation that many have the choice to avoid, even those experiencing mental health distress have to be a part of the working world. This can be challenging when trying to juggle work, bills, and all that lies in between.
Also, jobs are one of the greatest contributing factors that can influence mental health. Due to the economic system in which we live, having a job is a must unless you were born into wealth or obtained it. Having a job is not the heaviest part of the responsibility. However, you must make the salary for the life you want to live.
The pressure of having a job and a good one at that is more pressure than a person needs. Then it is inevitably topped with your daily responsibilities and role as an employee. Sometimes these lines are blurred with daily roles and need just as a human being.
As if there needs to be anything added to that mountain, the stigma will find its way to the top if you experience mental health distress. Co-workers who may have knowledge of your personal business may act differently toward you than others. Even management can be awkward and seem as if they do not know how to maneuver around you or your disorder. As a result, mental health stigmas in the workplace can be damaging to a person’s mental health and even compromise their recovery journey.
Adversity and responsibility in life are not avoidable. However, there are healthier ways to deal with them than bottling up the pain, running from discomfort, or turning to vices in hopes of not feeling them.
Some ways to cope with the stigma around mental health in the workplace are:
Good mental health is crucial in all areas of life, including the workplace. Stigma around mental health issues can be pervasive, affecting various aspects of life. It’s essential to strengthen mental resilience and find supportive measures to combat this stigma.
If you’re facing mental health challenges and are hesitant to seek help due to stigma, know that there are resources available. Our directory offers a comprehensive list of treatment programs that provide support and guidance for dealing with mental health in the workplace and beyond. From talk therapy to other treatment modalities, these programs are designed to alleviate stress and help you manage your mental health effectively.
A healthy work-life balance is important, but it can be particularly challenging when dealing with mental health issues and workplace stigma. Misunderstandings and stigma in the professional environment can hinder recovery and well-being. However, there are strategies to navigate these challenges. Through our directory, you can find treatment plans tailored to your individual needs, helping you to cope with stigma and maintain your mental health in the workplace. Explore your options today and take a step towards a healthier, more balanced life.
