World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. The theme this year is "Mental Health in the Workplace."
Globalization has contributed to work-related stress and its associated disorders. One in five people at the workplace may experience a mental health condition. Mental health problems have a direct impact on workplaces through increasing absenteeism, reducing productivity, and increasing healthcare costs. However, stigma and lack of awareness of mental health persist as barriers to addressing mental health in the workplace.
Employers and coworkers can be agents of change in the workplace by combatting stigma and encouraging open discussion on mental health. They can also learn to identify the signs of common mental health problems such as depression and encourage colleagues who may be struggling to seek help.
Technical materials and related links
- Presentation: Mental Health in the Workplace
- Factsheet: Mental Health in the Workplace
- Information sheet (WHO)
- World Mental Health Day 2017 (WHO)
- World Federation on Mental Health
10 October 2017: Webinar "Mental Health in the Workplace"
World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to discuss the mental health of employees, which is often not considered. The workplace is a very important setting to promote practices that support people with mental health problems and protect the well-being of all workers.
In commemoration of the day, the Mental Health and Substance Use Unit of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) will held a webinar on 10 October to promote and raise awareness about mental health in the workplace and continue the discussion about depression.
Time and links
- DATE: Tuesday, 10 October 2017
- TIME: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Washington DC time)
- See time zone: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/
- PLACE: Room B, PAHO HQ, 525 23rd St., NW, Washington DC, 20037
Agenda
Moderator: M. Anthony Duttine, Advisor on Disabilities, Mental Health Unit, PAHO/WHO
- 10:30-10:40 am Welcome and opening. Claudina Cayetano. Regional Advisor on Mental Health, PAHO/WHO
- 10:40- 11:05 am Work in the context of globalization and digitalization, and its adverse mental health effects.Johannes Siegrist. Senior Professor Life-Science-Center, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Germany.
- 11:05-11:30 am Depression in women: risk factor and healthcare needs.Laura Elena Navarrete Reyes. Medical Sciences Researcher. National Institute of Psychiatry. Mexico
- 11:30-11:55 am Workplace wellness: Preventing Provider Burnout and Depression. Nhi-Ha Trinh. Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School (HMS) Director, MGH Department of Psychiatry Center for Diversity, Director of Multicultural Studies and Director of Clinical Services, MGH Depression Clinical and Research Program
- 11.55-12:20 pm Questions and Answers.
- 12:20-12:30 pm Closing remarks.Dévora Kestel. Unit Chief, Mental Health and Substance Use, PAHO/WHO