In order to avoid workplace stigma and discrimination, employees with mental illnesses will usually go to great lengths to ensure that coworkers and managers do not find out about their illness, including avoiding employee assistance programs and shunning effective treatment options.
The majority of employees who have mental illnesses will fail to receive appropriate treatment. Only about a third of employees with depression will consult a mental health professional, physician or employee assistance program and as few as 1 in 10 of those who report occupational impairment will take medication to address the problem.
Yet, the majority of those who are appropriately treated for mental illnesses will manifest improved work performance and reduced disability days sufficient to offset employer costs for treatment. Compounding the problem is the fact that few managers have sufficient knowledge to recognize or skills to effectively manage mental illness at the workplace.
Similarly, few organizations have corporate plans to address workplace mental health and employment equity for people with mental illnesses. To reduce stigma and discrimination associated with mental illnesses and promote employment equity for people living with mental illnesses, organizations should be proactive in identifying and managing mental health problems among their workers and foster an organizational culture that is supportive of mental health and psychosocial recovery.
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Community Friendship, Inc. helps people living with mental illnesses to choose, get and keep jobs in the community.
Help support our efforts in strengthening Georgia's workforce.
Find out more about supported employment services at 404 875-0381 or visit www.communityfriendship.org to view our community impact and to make a secure tax deductible donation.
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