More than one in five Australians have experienced discrimination in the workplace due to mental illness, according to new research by the Mental Health Council of Australia (MHCA).
The research has been conducted as part of this year’s World Mental Health Day campaign.
“When 22% of people surveyed tell us that they have witnessed discrimination in the workplace, relating to mental illness, it shows that we have a serious problem with stigma in this country,” MHCA CEO Frank Quinlan said today.
The research asked people if they had witnessed discrimination at their place of employment, due to either their own mental illness or a mental illness affecting a co-worker. In addition, the study found 69% of people were uncomfortable disclosing a mental illness to their employer. While a third of people said they would disclose a mental illness, more than a third never would.
“It is concerning that 35% of respondents completely ruled out the possibility of talking about mental health, even if it was appropriate to do so. That’s a big problem, especially if it means people not seeking help they need, when they need it,” Mr Quinlan said.
“These results demonstrate that some people have a real fear about potentially negative consequences should they tell their employers and their colleagues that they are mentally unwell.
“The reality is that for the vast majority of people with a mental illness, openness and conversations do help employees, employers and workmates to contribute through meaningful and successful employment. We need to have a goal for our society to make it acceptable for individuals to talk about mental health in the workplace and to make it ok to seek help when they need it, without fear or stigma.
“To assist in this goal, ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, we want people to recognise that we all have an important role to play in our own mental health. We want employers and employees to visit 1010.org.au, make a personal mental health promise and then share it.
“Small steps like this can really help to break down stigma and help change a negative culture in Australian workplaces. In addition, there is a great deal that employers are already doing to create mentally healthy workplaces including: demonstrating open dialogue about good mental health, raising awareness using online resources, training managers and staff in mental health first aid, and instigating mental health policies and practices.”
Make your mental health promise this World Mental Health Day – visit 1010.org.au.
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