'Mental Health Behind Sick Days'
It’s claimed there’s still a stigma attached to mental health in the work place - and it’s making people in our region lie about taking time off.
People with mental health issues in the North East aren't being honest with their boss about taking time off work.
That's according to 22-year-old Iwona Kloczo from Newcastle who faked other illnesses to hide her depression and anxiety.
Iwona was diagnosed with depression and anxiety four years ago. She said:
“When you don’t have someone to explain it to, especially in the work place where you have responsibilities and things you need to be getting on with it does become very daunting and the more daunting that it becomes the less likely you want to go in.”
It's after the TUC found stress and depression to be one of the main reasons that people take sick days.
They’ve given us estimate figures from National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) that show mental ill health actually costs UK employers £1million per year and identifying problems early could result in cost savings on 30%.
Susanne Nichol, who’s involved in the TUC’s Better Health at Work Award, thinks more employers in our region should get involved in the project that’ll provide better awareness and support in the workplace for those suffering from mental health problems.
Susanne said:
“Mental health first aid is a brilliant way to train managers, colleagues and union reps on how to spot the signs and generally de-stigmaatising mental health issues so understanding the differences between anxiety and depression.”
To find out more about the award for employers in the North East visit: http://www.betterhealthatworkne.org
To find out more about mental health first aid visit:
For advice and support about mental health visit:
Mental Health North East
The Samaritans