While some participants thought that stigma towards common mental health problems such as depression has diminished over the years, several expressed concern about disclosing common mental health problems in the workplace, for fear of negative consequences, even in workplaces that provide access to mental health interventions.
“I have heard people say they would lose a promotion, not be as credible to their employer, if they opened up in the workplace. I think people might be afraid even if it [mental health services] is confidential.”
Most focus group participants agreed that there is no simple answer to the question of whether someone with mental health problems could hold a full-time job. It would depend on a number of factors including the type and severity of disorder, whether the person is receiving effective treatment, and the type of job. Most agreed that workplaces could do more to reduce stigma and to support persons at risk for or suffering from a mental illness, and that they should do more.
Stigma and discrimination toward persons with mental disorders remain somewhat problematic in Canada, although more so for severe disorders and particularly for males with serious mental illness. Canadians are reluctant to apply the term “mental illness” to common mental disorders, perhaps because of the stigma associated with serious mental illness, perceptions that it is fixed and chronic, and associations with dangerousness. Canadians are aware that stigma and discrimination towards mental disorders exist although there is a perception that stigma has diminished toward common mental health problems, which corresponds with literature review findings. Footnote 96 However, they continue to exhibit some reluctance about disclosing mental health problems, especially in the workplace, for fear of stigma and discrimination.
Most of the research on stigma reduction pertains to serious mental illness rather than to common mental health problems. Footnote 97 Stigma is much worse toward serious mental illness and is strongly associated with fears of unpredictability and dangerousness. Footnote 98 Attitudes towards common mental health problems are relatively benign Footnote 99 and the public may overestimate the degree of stigma toward common mental disorders, which can itself undermine help seeking Footnote 100
Return to note 96 Phelan et al 2000, Angermeyer and Matschinger, 2001; Jorm, 2000b; Mann and Himelein, 2004
Return to note 97 Link et al, 1999; Read and Law 1999; Phelan et al, 2000; Walker and Read 2000; Corrigan et al, 2003
Return to note 98 Corrigan and Penn, 1999; Read and Law, 1999; Watson and Corrigan 2001; Wallach, 2004; Stuart, 2005; Corrigan et al, 2005
Return to note 99 Phelan et al 2000; Jorm et al, 2000b; Angermeyer and Matschinger, 2001; Mann and Himelein, 2004
Return to note 100 Mann and Himelein, 2004