Stewart slams stigma in workplace 24/1/13
David Stewart MSP called today for an end to mental health stigma in the workplace, in a parliamentary speech during the Scottish Government debate on “Scotland’s Mental Health Strategy.”
Mr Stewart, a former Mental Health Officer, adds his support to the work of the Scottish Human Rights Commission who promotes rights for those who suffer from mental illness.
Mr Stewart said: “The World Health Organisation estimates one in four people will
have a mental health problem at some point in their lives, Scottish Government figures
suggests around 300,000 Scots take anti-
Another key issue Mr Stewart highlighted is Audit Scotland’s finding that those suffering from some for of social exclusion are at a much greater risk of developing mental health problems.
Significantly higher figures of mental health problems are recorded in deprived areas, and tragically the suicide rate in poorer communities is four times higher than those in the wealthiest.
Mr Stewart highlighted solutions to workplace stigma and praised BT for leading the
way in workplace mental well-
He said: “BT’s ground breaking strategy to reduce workplace stigma has developed understanding of mental health issues in the workplace and led to a 30% drop in mental health related sickness absence and an increase in people returning to work after absence.”
“Campaigning for improvement in mental health services is to campaign for social justice and inclusion and to further fight against the tyranny and stigma of mental illness.”