Editorial: Break the mental health stigma: mental health in the workplace

Abstract

The workplace today is an environment where mental health issues are increasingly becoming a focus of interest and concern. However, in some organizations, there is still a stigma attached to this issue. This can lead to discriminatory actions and attitudes towards employees who live with mental disorders, both at the personal and public levels. In particular, the stigmatization of people living with mental disorders in the workplace has a number of detrimental effects such as emotional distress (feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed), lower self-esteem, difficulties in social relationships, and a lower likelihood of initiating or maintaining a psychological treatment. It can also lead to difficulties in workplace relationships and in getting support or other job benefits (1). This Research Topic aims to integrate twelve studies in order to pave the way towards breaking down the barriers of mental health stigma in the workplace. This Editorial encompasses pioneering research endeavors, from observational studies, validation studies of new assessment tools until intervention studies, and integrates the complexities of mental health in professional settings, offering insights, and solutions to foster supportive environments where individuals can thrive.