Scared to tell your boss about a mental health issue?

January 21, 4:09 PMMental Health ExaminerJerilyn Dufresne

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The Irish Times reports on a study in Ireland by the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability (AHEAD) found that 63% of individuals surveyed wouldn't feel comfortable letting their boss know about a mental health issue.

One of the reasons is that many employers stated they wouldn't feel comfortable hiring someone with mental health issues.

Although this study took place in Ireland, the stigma associated with mental health problems is prevalent. Recently, a client came into the office crying because she saw someone in the lobby who knows her boss. She's fearful her boss will be told she's in therapy and she'll be viewed differently.

What causes this stigma, this branding? What's the difference between having a broken leg and having depression? Why is the former okay to talk about, but the latter isn't?

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