‘There’s a huge fear of judgment’ – Stigma still taints mental health issues in the workplace, survey reveals

The results of the annual survey, carried out by St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, are released today ahead of World Mental Health Day on Thursday.

The survey found there is still some stigma in the workplace surrounding mental-health difficulties, with 37pc of respondents citing work-­related issues as a factor that influences their mental well-being.

Another key finding was that 39pc do not believe that someone who experiences panic attacks could work as head of a large company.

In addition, 52pc of people believe Irish workplaces are not open to employing people with mental-health difficulties.

The findings come from St Patrick’s “Attitudes to Mental Health and Stigma” survey, which covers a nationally representative sample of 1,000 adults.

It highlights the importance of promoting positive mental health in the workplace and encourages employers and employees to familiarise themselves with the supports available and the rights of workers experiencing mental-health difficulties.

If people present with a mental-health difficulty, employers need to know what to do

St Patrick’s Mental Health Services CEO Paul Gilligan said the findings show that while there is more to be done to create open workplace cultures without mental-health stigma or discrimination, attitudes are gradually improving.

The survey found 47pc of people are not aware of their right to reasonable accommodations for mental-health difficulties in the workplace.

These accommodations can include time off to attend mental healthcare appointments, flexible working hours or a modified schedule or a phased return to work.

Speaking about the results, Mr Gilligan said there is still a need for some “cultural change” in attitudes in Ireland to mental health in the workplace.

“Most organisations still see mental health as a challenge, but in reality, good mental health in the workplace is the foundation on which success is built. Coming to work should enhance out mental health, rather than impact it negatively.

“If people present with a mental-health difficulty, employers need to know what to do. A company’s key asset is its staff.

“The survey also shows there is still a significant amount of self-stigma, with many people not feeling secure enough to tell their employers if they are having a difficulty.

“A lot of work has been done, but there remains more to be accomplished to make our work environment more safe and secure. There is still a significant amount of people who are not convinced that recovery is not possible after a mental-health difficulty. But recovery should be expected.”

​Cork businesswoman Aoife Cullinane, who was admitted to St Patrick’s Mental Health Services for treatment for her depression in 2012, said everyone needs to strive for a better work-life balance.

The former sales executive hit breaking point over a decade ago, culminating in a suicide attempt, which ultimately led her to become an in-patient at St Patrick’s.

During her recovery process, she also faced up to the catalyst for her struggles for the first time — a sexual trauma she had suffered as a young person.

Ms Cullinane realised she needed to overhaul her entire life in order to stay healthy. This meant turning her back on her career as a sales executive, and embracing passions she uncovered while undergoing treatment at St Patrick’s, including writing, drawing and singing.

She later returned to studies and is now a qualified psychotherapist. She works with the Rainbow Club in Cork, which supports children with autism by providing psychotherapy services to their parents.

She finds this work rewarding and it has enhanced her life and her mental health.

Our phones can be upgraded, but our brains can’t

“I really think there’s a lot of work to be done on striving for a better work-life balance. It’s such a fast-paced world now. Our phones can be upgraded, but our brains can’t be,” she said.

“I think stigma around mental health in the workplace still exists. There’s still a huge fear of judgment, where it should be treated the same way as when you have a physical injury.

“When people address their mental health difficulties, it should be seen as a breakthrough, not a breakdown.”

Ms Cullinane said work was the “final frontier” in terms of stigma around mental health.

“What was really interesting to me from the research findings was that, despite an increase in people disclosing mental-health difficulties in the workplace, it still appears that the workplace remains the final frontier in reducing stigma,” she added.

“Creating a compassionate setting at work benefits everyone and helps people to truly thrive. With the right supports, and an open and inclusive environment, you can feel more supp­orted and empowered to take care of your mental health.”