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Breaking the Silence: Depression and Mental Health Stigma in Corporate America

  • Writer: Thomas L. Conn
    Thomas L. Conn
  • Oct 4, 2024
  • 5 min read

Corporate America, often touted as a bastion of progress and innovation, unfortunately, still harbors a pervasive stigma surrounding mental health, particularly depression. This stigma can be detrimental to employees, hindering their ability to seek help and thrive in their careers. It's crucial to understand why this stigma persists and how we can work to break it down. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, a significant portion of workers report experiencing work-related stress, with 61% stating they have encountered such stress, and 27% indicating their stress levels are considered high. High stress and anxiety can lead to depression.


The Hidden Burden: Depression in the Workplace


Depression is a serious mental health condition that can significantly impact an individual's productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. As someone recently diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorder, it has been a constant struggle that’s been going on for almost 12 years (when I entered Corporate America as a lowly customer service representative before transitioning into my career as a social media manager). Yet, many people suffering from depression feel compelled to hide their symptoms, fearing judgment, discrimination, or even job loss.


I, for one, have had this unshakeable sense of dread believing I was inferior due to my mental illness while also convincing myself I could not speak out about it because I didn’t want the appearance of being unable to meet the unrealistic demands of the company and my managers. So, I buried my depression and instead drank beer to forget, which led to me becoming burnt out (a condition I have struggled with ever since). Being a social media manager, always connected, hasn't made things easier either. I thankfully have started actual treatment for my depression as well as have been completely sober for 17 months (as of this writing). I unfortunately became an alcoholic due to my anxiety and depression, and it was not until I made the choice to quit drinking that I could then start working on my depression and anxiety. And being a recovering alcoholic will be something I live with for the rest of my life, but thankfully, I will be alive to manage it versus the other alternative if I had instead continued to drown myself in beer and booze.


This silence around mental health in the workplace can lead to a vicious cycle, as untreated depression can exacerbate work performance issues, and lead to burnout, physical health issues, substance/alcohol abuse, and people outright resigning because they can’t manage anymore.


Why the Stigma?


  • Productivity Concerns: One common reason for the stigma is the fear that individuals with mental health conditions may not be able to meet the demands of their jobs. This misconception can lead to discrimination and prejudice, hindering individuals' career advancement.

  • Stereotypes and Misconceptions: Negative stereotypes about people with mental health issues persist, often associating them with laziness, unreliability, or instability. These harmful stereotypes can create a hostile work environment and discourage individuals from seeking help. Moreover, people feel guilty if someone does choose to help them because they’re convinced they are a burden to others.

  • Fear of Vulnerability: Many people in corporate settings feel pressure to appear strong, competent, and in control. Admitting to struggles with mental health can be seen as a weakness, leading to fear of judgment or rejection.

  • Lack of Awareness and Education: There is often a lack of understanding about mental health conditions within corporate settings. This lack of awareness can contribute to the stigma and prevent individuals from seeking proper support.


The Impact on the Workplace


The stigma surrounding depression and mental health can have a detrimental impact on the workplace. It can:


  • Reduce Productivity: Employees struggling with depression may experience decreased concentration, motivation, and energy, leading to lower productivity levels.

  • Increase Absenteeism: Mental health issues can contribute to increased sick days and absenteeism, affecting team morale and efficiency.

  • Create a Toxic Work Environment: A culture of silence and fear can create a toxic work environment where employees feel isolated and unsupported.

  • Discourage Open Communication: The stigma can discourage employees from seeking help or discussing their mental health concerns, hindering their ability to cope effectively.


The Impact on Job Hunting


The stigma surrounding mental health can also pose significant challenges during the job-hunting process. Individuals may hesitate to disclose their mental health conditions on job applications or during interviews, fearing that it could negatively impact their chances of being hired. This can lead to a cycle of discrimination and exclusion, limiting opportunities for individuals with mental health issues.


Breaking Down the Barriers


To address the stigma surrounding depression and mental health in Corporate America, it is essential to:


  • Promote Education and Awareness: Organizations should provide training and education on mental health to help employees understand the conditions, reduce stigma, and learn how to support colleagues.

  • Create a Supportive Workplace Culture: Companies should foster a culture of openness, empathy, and respect, where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns without fear of judgment. Companies should also allow employees to take as much time as they need to address their depression. Often, especially in the United States, companies do not provide adequate paid time off for employees to recharge, or if they do, they do not have systems in place to ensure necessary work is handled while that employee is taking their much-needed time off, so they then either return to more work than they left with and are behind (feeling hopeless, which contributes to depression) or contacting the person while they are out of the office, which defeats the purpose of that person being away (cannot escape something that is causing depression in the first place).

  • Encourage Help-Seeking Behavior: Offer accessible and confidential mental health resources, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), to encourage employees to seek help when needed.

  • Challenge Stereotypes and Misconceptions: Promote positive messaging about mental health and challenge harmful stereotypes through company-wide initiatives.


Tips for Coping with Depression and Mental Health Struggles at Work


  • Talk to someone: If you are struggling with mental health, it is important to talk to someone about it. This could be a friend, family member, coworker, or therapist.

  • Take breaks: It is important to take breaks throughout the day, even if it is just for a few minutes. Get up and move around, or step outside for some fresh air.

  • Set realistic goals: Don't try to do too much at once. Set realistic goals for yourself and break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks.

  • Learn to say no: It's okay to say no to additional work or commitments if you are already feeling overwhelmed.

  • Practice self-care: Make time for activities that you enjoy and that help you to relax. This could include hobbies (mine include woodworking, golfing, watching movies/TV shows, listening to music, writing, reading, cooking, home renovations, and spending time with my family/dog) or anything that really brings you joy, no matter how small or big.


If you are struggling with mental health, it is important to seek help. There are many resources available to help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.


By breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health in corporate America, we can create a more compassionate and supportive workplace culture where individuals feel empowered to seek help and thrive. Together, we can foster a mental health-friendly environment that benefits everyone.


Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:


 
 
 

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