THE PROBLEM
Dave learns that Inappropriate Corporation has received several workers compensation claims due to mental injury. His boss says that staff are quitting rather than seeking help, showing that there is stigma around mental health at the company. Dave is told to work with Dr Peter Cotton to iron out the problem.
What’s a game of bingo got to do with mental health stigma? Dave gets a lesson in spotting the early warning signs, such as noticing changes in his team’s usual behaviour. He begins to understand how the workplace culture may be reinforcing negative attitudes about mental health, and how to fix it.
Dr Cotton’s top tips
Tackling mental health stigma is about addressing negative attitudes in your workplace and:
- Supporting people to seek help
- Spotting early warning signs
Managers need to lead:
- Notice changes in people’s behaviour
- Address negative attitudes
- Show it’s OK to speak up and ask for help
RATE YOUR WORKPLACE: MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA CHECKLIST (PDF)
Further reading
Heads Up – Having a conversation
https://www.headsup.org.au/supporting-others-in-the-workplace/having-a-conversation
Black Dog Institute Case study: Depression and the Fire Fighter who Fought It
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cuznh2RiR4
29 October 2015