Dear Editor,

Every year on October 10 we make a significant observance: World Mental Health Day.

This year the theme is ‘Prioritising Mental Health in the Workplace’. This designation underscores the importance of employees well-being in the workplace in today’s demanding environment.

Employee well-being is a crucial aspect of overall workplace productivity and satisfaction. Supervisors and managers need to put systems in place that cater to the psychosocial support and well-being of all employees.

As a mental health patient and advocate for close to 30 years, I am acutely aware of the challenges faced by employees in the workforce regarding their mental health and well-being.

One of the most significant challenges faced by employees regarding their mental health is the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness. Unfortunately, mental health stigma and discrimination are prevalent in the workforce and discourages those of us who are struggling from talking about our challenges and seeking help.

Colleague support can also be challenging as a lack of understanding of mental health leads some of them to think they are immune to mental health challenges and those of us who are afflicted have no place in the workforce and should remain at our places of abode like hermits.

This year’s theme is fitting for the current challenges faced by employees in the workforce. Let us remind ourselves that a healthy workforce holds the key to high productivity and there is no good health without good mental health. A person whose mind is unwell cannot use his/her physical body well. Let us remind ourselves too that sickness does not discriminate and mental illness is just another form of sickness that can happen to anyone.

If we are going to make the workforce more therapeutic and conducive to good mental health, much more will have to be done to become more accommodating of those with mental health challenges. We need to raise awareness and encourage support for people with mental health issues.

It is time for employers to move away from an attitude of rejection, discrimination, and isolation to one of inclusion and support for employees and potential employees with mental heath issues.

I have seen and experienced so much as a mental health patient in the workplace, I know what it is like to be discriminated against and stereotyped.

As we recognise World Mental Health Day may I be permitted one personal indulgence, which is to thank those of my colleagues at Alston High School who have been supportive and accommodating of me and my mental illness affliction.

The word is always love.

Andre A O Wellington

Mental health patient and advocate

andrewellington344@yahoo.com