Nearly half feel reluctant about opening up to their manager or colleague
Workers in Canada who are dealing with mental health conditions may either be suffering in silence or struggling to express how they truly feel, a new study has revealed.
Nearly half of employees (48%) said they would be reluctant to open up to a manager or colleague, according to a survey from RBC Insurance.
Meanwhile, more than a quarter (27%) would rather keep quiet about their condition. The percentage of workers who prefer to go through their mental health ordeal in silence is about three times higher than those who choose to keep quiet about a physical illness.
READ MORE: Do employees legally have to reveal mental health issues?
Most Canadians would rather keep mum about their mental health struggles because of the following:
- The stigma associated with mental health (45%);
- Their desire not to be treated differently (44%);
- Their desire not to be judged (40%);
- Their fear of the negative consequences of poor mental health (36%).
Being seen in a negative light
Employees believe opening up about their struggles might cause their boss or co-worker to doubt their capacity to do their job (47%) or that their colleagues might grow distant toward them.
Amid continuing concern over the perception of mental health issues in the workplace, more people are seeing depression (53%) and anxiety (41%) as disabilities, the survey revealed.
“It’s encouraging to see that Canadians are making the connection between mental illness and disability, most likely because of educational efforts and the openness of those who are willing to share their personal struggles,” said Maria Winslow, senior director, life and health at RBC Insurance.
“However, it’s apparent that the perception of stigma still exists, which impedes some people’s ability or willingness to speak up and seek help.”
