Hidden depression amidst Blue Monday hype

Today is ‘Blue Monday’, allegedly the most depressing day of the year. The case against the beginning of the third working week in January includes an inability to keep up New Year resolutions, lack of daylight, and giving us something to gripe about. However it also presents an opportunity to discuss the hidden problem of depression amongst the workforce. One in four will have some kind of mental health problem this year which is why Business Disability Forum has today announced a new guide for line managers on how to manage mental health at work.

Mental health issues are still a taboo topic in the workplace. According to a study in The Lancet in October 2012, 47% of people with depression anticipated being discriminated against in finding or keeping a job and 79% said that they had been discriminated against.

It should be no surprise then that 71% said that they actively hide their depression from other people. Business Disability Forum is publishing its guide so managers and employees have the tools they need to manage mental health at work.

Available from 01 February, the new guide, ‘mental health at work’ sponsored by the Environment Agency dispels the myths about mental health in the workplace and provides practical advice for line managers. Business Disability Forum conducted extensive research with its members to produce the best practice guide, and it contains several real-life case studies.

Bela Gor, Legal Director at Business Disability Forum and author of the new guide said, “Line managers tell us that they don’t know how best to support a colleague with a mental health condition, in fact it accounts for around 20% of calls to our advice service.

“‘Mental health at work’ is full of myth-busting and practical tips on how to get it right. Our publication will challenge you first to look at your own attitudes and assumptions about people who have mental health issues. It will also help you to look after your own mental well-being.”