Lifting the Mental Health Stigma in the Workplace

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It’s a sad fact that many of us struggle with mental health issues in our daily lives. We often feel isolated and alone in our struggles, and it’s no wonder why so many of us have a hard time discussing these challenges with others. This post will help you discuss mental health challenges with your colleagues in a productive way. 


How To Discuss Mental Health Challenges With Your Colleagues In A Productive Way 


Mental health disorders can be extremely difficult to talk about. Some of the mental health conditions that may be discussed include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 


However, a conversation can still be productive when everyone has the right mindset and the right tools. Here are three strategies to help you have the productive discussion with your colleagues. 


1. Share your story 


Everyone has a story. We have all been there, at some point or another, and it may be difficult to articulate what you are going through. However, sharing your story can help your colleagues understand what you are dealing with. 


Take time to get comfortable talking about these challenges and ask for support if you feel like you can’t talk about it alone. It is also important to note that talking about your mental health may trigger other issues you have to deal with. This is why it is important to share your experiences with people who will support you, and not judge you. 


2. Provide resources 


If you do not know how to properly address these challenges, make sure you do your research beforehand. Make sure you have the necessary knowledge to effectively talk about them. There are a variety of resources that can help you address various mental health challenges, including books, videos, articles, and websites. 


You may even want to talk to your supervisor or a colleague about it. This will allow you to get the information you need, but it will also help your colleagues understand the issue better. 


3. Find a safe place 


Having a conversation with someone you trust can help you better understand your situation. In a study published by the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, researchers found that participants who felt they had a good network of friends and family were more likely to discuss their mental health concerns. While it may be difficult to open up about your mental health to your coworkers, it is always better to do so with someone who will listen. 


In short, it is important to remember that it is OK to talk about your mental health challenges, but it is even more important to be comfortable doing so. By sharing your story, providing resources, and finding a safe space to talk, you can ensure you and your coworkers have the productive conversation you need. 


Types Of Stigma In The Workplace

 

Stigma is one of the most harmful factors that can affect the lives of people. It is an awfully bad feeling that causes people to avoid social interaction. It also causes people to feel embarrassed and humiliated. 

The worst part about stigma is that it is mostly invisible and often leads to discrimination. Stigma can happen anywhere. In the workplace, it can lead to job loss, unemployment, harassment, and discrimination. Here are five types of stigma in the workplace: 


1. The Stigma of the Stigmatized 


This is a person who suffers from the stigma of mental illness, substance abuse, or other similar issues. It can be a parent, a sibling, a spouse, or even a child. They suffer because their family or peers don’t want to be around them, they can’t get a job, or they even lose a job. 


2. The Stigma of the Discloser 


A person who has a disease or addiction shares their individual experiences in the hopes of helping others. People who disclose their subjective experiences often receive criticism and stigma from others. 


3. The Stigma of the Mentor 


People with high-ranking jobs often take on a mentor role. They help the mentee by providing advice and support. This relationship can be positive or negative. When the relationship is positive, the mentee can learn from the mentor and grow as a person. When the relationship is negative, the mentee can face consequences. 


4. The Stigma of the Victim 


This is a person who suffers because of someone else’s actions. Victims suffer from the pain of another person’s actions. 


5. The Stigma of the Helper 


This is a person who provides help and support to someone who needs it. They may be a friend, a colleague, or a stranger. They are not paid or asked to do so. The helper often feels uncomfortable when they are asked for help. They may even feel guilty if they do not offer help to the person who needs it. 


Tips To Improve The Chances Of Finding Work When You Are Facing Mental Health Stigma? 


In today’s world of employment, it is becoming more difficult for those suffering with mental health conditions to work. If you are one of these people who is struggling to find work because of a mental health condition, you may feel like you’re being judged for having a mental illness. 


In fact, many employers will think less of you when they find out you suffer with a mental illness. They may think that you are unreliable, they may think that you are likely to break down during your shift, and they may even think that you’re not capable of working as a team member. 

However, there is no reason to let your mental illness define you and keep you from getting the job you deserve. Many companies are now more understanding about people who are dealing with mental health issues, and they are becoming more accepting. 


Here are some tips that you can use to improve your chances of finding work when you are facing a mental health stigma: 


1. Use Your Common Sense 


Do not assume that a potential employer will think less of you if they learn that you suffer with a mental health issue. Many people will judge you based on the way you look or act. However, you cannot control what others think about you and you must never let your mental illness make you feel ashamed. 


Instead, you should focus on doing your best at work and showing your employers that you’re capable of handling the position you’re applying for. For instance, if you’re applying for a customer service role, you should always dress in professional attire, behave professionally, and show your employers that you can communicate effectively. 


Do not expect to find a job after showing them that you can do these things. Instead, you should do your best at the job and show that you are worthy of being employed. If you do your best at work and prove yourself to be a great employee, you will most likely find a job and you will be able to get back on your feet. 


2. Talk to Your Employer 


If you think that you might struggle to get a job because of your mental illness, talk to your employer. Let them know about your condition so that they can help you find the right position for you. 


For instance, if you are a retail clerk and you’re suffering from depression, you could talk to your boss and ask if they have any positions available. If they don’t, you could talk to your manager and let them know that you’re having a challenging time with your depression. If they’re sympathetic, they may consider letting you try out a different position for a week. 

You’ve got to learn how to act around your employer. You don’t want to ruin your chances of getting a job. When you are trying to get a job, make sure that you do your best. Always behave professionally. 


When you are speaking to your employer, you shouldn’t lie to them about your problems. You need to be honest with them about your condition. If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, don’t forget to mention this to your employer. They need to know this so that they can help you get a better position. 


3. Find a Mentor 


You can also talk to someone you trust. Sometimes, we are not aware of our true potentials. You might not realize what you are capable of doing until you have the chance to show others what you can do. If you are not comfortable showing others your potentials, you can ask your mentor to guide you. A mentor can help you with your career goals. A mentor can guide you on how to be successful. 


A mentor can help you in many ways. He/she can answer your questions about your career. You should approach your mentor with a clear mind. If you don’t have a mentor, you can look for one. You can get a mentor from your local church or from a school where you were enrolled. You can also search online. 


Seven Ways To Combat Mental Stigma 


Stigma is a word that has been used to describe a negative view, opinion, or feeling about a group of people. Stigma has many different meanings that have evolved over time, but one thing is certain - it's a negative attribute that we apply to groups of people because they are different or because they behave in a way we don't understand. 


Stigma is often used to describe the social rejection of people who are different or behave in ways we don't understand. It is also used to describe the negative view people have of those with mental illness. 

People with mental health issues have experienced stigma throughout history. They are often misunderstood, and their problems aren't taken seriously. It seems like everywhere we look there's someone with a mental illness. In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) one in four adults is affected by mental disorders.  


But there is hope. We know that mental illness doesn't have to define you. In fact, it is possible to find ways to fight the stigma you may be feeling. Here are seven things you can do to combat the stigma surrounding mental illness. 


1. Talk About Mental Illness 


The first and most crucial step towards fighting stigma is to talk openly about mental illness. It is impossible to live a life free from stigma if you don't speak out against it. When someone you know talks openly about their experience with mental illness, they often become the target of stigma themselves. But if you talk about it, you will no longer be the person being stigmatized, but rather the person fighting stigma.

 

2. Challenge Misconceptions 


If you're interested in fighting stigma, it's important to challenge the misconceptions people have about mental illness. When you challenge these misunderstandings, you help to dispel the stigma. One of the most common misconceptions is that people with mental illnesses are violent or dangerous. The truth is, more people die of suicide than of murder. 


3. Support People With Mental Illness 


It's an innovative idea to talk to friends and family members about mental illness. As you support someone who has experienced mental illness, you help to reduce the stigma. You can do this by talking about mental illness openly, challenging the misconceptions people have, and helping them when they need it. 


4. Don't Judge 


Another common misconception is that people with mental illness are all crazy. They aren't. In fact, the vast majority of people with mental illness are perfectly normal. They just happen to have a mental illness. When you avoid judging people, you help to dispel the stigma. You also give the people you know a chance to shine and to prove you wrong. 


5. Don't Exclude 


When you exclude someone from your life because of their mental illness, you perpetuate the stigma. It doesn't matter what kind of mental illness you are referring to. When you decide you can't include someone in your life because of their mental illness, you perpetuate the stigma. It doesn't matter what kind of mental illness you are referring to. 

When you decide you can't include someone in your life because they have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, for example, you are stigmatizing people with schizophrenia. You are also letting the people who have schizophrenia down. 


6. Don't Ignore 


People with mental illness are like everyone else. They are human beings who deserve the same rights as everyone else. This means they deserve to be treated with respect and kindness, and not treated like second-class citizens. You may feel like you can't treat someone with mental illness this way, but you are making a mistake. 


7. There Are Ways to Help 


If you have a close friend who has a mental illness, you can help by being supportive and kind. Don't gossip about what your friend says or does. Be respectful of your friend and others with mental illness. 

Getting support from other people is an important part of recovery. It's a lot easier to get through a dreadful day when you are with people who understand and care about you. 



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