Journal of Psychiatry

Overcoming stigma and reducing the impact of mental illness in the workplace

2^nd International Conference on Psychiatry and Psychiatric Disorders

May 02-04, 2016 Chicago, Illinois, USA

Jason Finucan

Empower Professional Services, USA

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Psychiatry

Abstract:

Each year, the cost of mental illness in Canada is approximately $50 billion, a staggering impact which includes reduced and lost productivity. A particular challenge is the stigma that still surrounds mental illness, which prevents many from ever seeking treatment. The impact of mental illness is prevalent in every single workplace, but despite this widespread prevalence, mental illness is still greatly misunderstood in today�??s society. The statistics speak volumes: Just 50% of Canadians would tell friends or colleagues that they have a family member with a mental illness, compared to 72% who would discuss a diagnosis of cancer and 68% who would discuss a relative having diabetes, 49% of those who believe they have suffered from symptoms of depression or anxiety have never consulted a doctor about this problem and on any given week, at least 500,000 employed Canadians are unable to work due to mental illness. While all types of illness pose significant challenges to employers, the stigma surrounding mental illness creates complications that must be overcome to minimize lost productivity.

Biography :

Email: jason@empowerproservices.com