The impact of mental health problems in the workplace

Wellbeing can mean different things to different people depending on their culture, experience and background. Dewe (2008) stated that mental wellbeing was enhanced when an individual was able to achieve a sense of purpose in society and contribute to their community.

This is very important in regards to the work environment as work enables a person to earn a living and contribute to society as a whole. Feinstein et al (2008) in Learning Through Life: Future Challenges also highlight that social relations are important—they indicated that social relationships were critical for promoting wellbeing and for acting as a buffer against mental ill-health for people across all ages. Work can provide an opportunity to build social relationships and support.

Causes of stress and depression in the workplace

There are many factors that can cause work-related stress. Factors causing work-related stress include:

• Unhappiness in current job role
• High-stress job
• Mental illness
• Time