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Tackling the Stigma Attached to Mental Illness

"By discussing mental health in the workplace, we can help reduce the stigma around mental illness". Nye Prior, a Lead Cyber Security Engineer at Immersive Labs, spoke to myGwork about the importance of openly discussing mental health in the workplace. They share their story of struggling with their own mental health, and talk about the ways in which the continued stigma attached to mental illnesses can be tackled.

Could you please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at your organization?

Hi! My name is Nye Prior and I'm a Lead Cyber Security Engineer at Immersive Labs. My day-to-day responsibilities involve creating and maintaining the content on our platform, but I'm also involved in DEI and Accessibility workgroups in the organization. I've struggled with my mental health since I was a teenager, and have had my fair share of ups and downs when it comes to my mental health. I'm also queer, and have seen first-hand the support the LGBTQ+ community can provide.


Even though I work from home, I still have the best deskmates. Meet Merry!

Why do you think it’s important to discuss mental health in the workplace?

I think it's important to discuss mental health, just as it's important to talk about physical health. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma around mental health, and talking about mental health struggles openly is not something everyone is comfortable with. However, by discussing mental health in the workplace, we can help reduce the stigma around mental illness, and – when people feel comfortable discussing their mental health – it can help break down stereotypes and encourage others to seek help.

"Talking about my own mental health issues was one of the first steps I took, and it was enlightening when I discovered I wasn't alone."

Do you think it’s important to talk specifically about LGBTQ+ mental health? Why?

I don't know if it's important to talk specifically about LGBTQ+ mental health, as we all experience mental health struggles. It's important for everyone - even the most hetero, cis, individuals - to know that they can experience problems with their mental health too, and know that talking about it is okay and the right thing to do. However, I do think it's important to talk to LGBTQ+ people specifically about their mental health, in safe and open environments, especially as we're so disproportionally affected by mental health difficulties as a community.

Do you think it’s still seen as “taboo” to discuss mental health in the workplace? If so, why?

Unfortunately yes - but I think it's more a taboo to discuss mental health in society, more than just the workplace. Society demonises those with mental health disorders, and serious mental health conditions are shrugged off as simply "excuses for poor work ethic". Sadly, many people still do not fully understand mental health issues and may not know how to respond appropriately to someone who is struggling. I think there's also a real fear of repercussion sometimes, someone may worry that discussing their mental health could have negative consequences, such as being passed over for promotion or losing their job - which can discourage anyone from speaking up about their struggles. I think we're making progress as a society, and we're talking about mental health more, which is great. But we've still got work to do.

What would you like to change in the workplace to make it easier to discuss mental health?

Less talk, more action. It's easy for an organization to talk about supporting mental health, organizing training, or encouraging discussion forums about mental health. But workplaces need to be seen to be supporting those people who have already spoken, instead of just saying what they could or would do. For example, if a company is seen to be providing flexible working arrangements, or implementing reasonable accommodations, to support their employees, they'll be seen as leading by example. The more that this happens, the more a culture of welcoming, acceptance, and support will be created, and more people will be willing to talk.


We also have informal slack channels to send motivational, supportive memes! Credit: @stacieswift on IG.

How do you think the workplace approach to mental health has changed over the last 10 years?

There's definitely been big change over the last 10 years. More and more employers are recognizing the impact that mental health can have on their employees and are taking steps to address it. There's more resources available to address mental health in the workplace, like mental health first aid training, employee assistance programs, and access to mental health professionals.

Discussions on mental health have increased and improved, and there's a greater understanding of the fact that mental health is just as important as physical health. I believe that there we're also starting to take more steps towards prevention rather than just treatment. Employers are taking steps to create a supportive workplace culture and provide resources to employees to help prevent mental health issues from arising. I think the pandemic brought a lot of mental health struggles to the forefront of conversation. For a lot of people, it was the first time they were forced into isolation, and experiencing struggles for themselves.

How do you think it will continue to change over the next 10 years?

Hopefully, it'll continue in the positive direction it's going already. We're starting to see more people talk about their mental health opening, which is helping others start thinking about their own mental health. I do think that we're on the right foot – it helps that a lot of these conversations are also happening in schools, and universities, so new employees coming into the workforce already have these skills and the confidence to have these discussions about mental health.

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