Report from Jody Lochery, Health & Safety Officer, UNISON Midlothian, regarding See Me (end mental health discrimination).
UNISON Midlothian are committed to tackling Mental Health stigma in the workplace. Almost 50% of long-term absences from work are the result of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. People who have had a mental health problem and been out of work often worry about going back. Common concerns include facing discrimination or bullying, and going back too soon and feeling unwell again. According to a report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists on mental health and work, “Many people with mental health problems fear that, no matter how good recovery they have made, their symptoms will be made worse by going back to work”.
UNISON Midlothian are looking to work in partnership with See Me and Midlothian Council to tackle Mental Health.