Three Professionals. Three Health Challenges. On Mental Health Crisis That Could Have Been Avoided.

Meet Kate: Managing Diabetes with Full Support

Kate has diabetes. Occasionally, she takes a day off when her blood sugar is out of balance and attends hospital checkups twice a year. Her boss and coworkers know this and have always supported her. They even organised a diabetes fundraiser and ran in a charity race together. Kate’s health condition isn’t hidden—it’s accepted.

Meet Steve: Balancing a Prosthetic Leg with Work Flexibility

Steve lost part of his leg and uses a prosthetic limb. He needs weekly physiotherapy to manage the back pain caused by his prosthesis. Sometimes, his pain flares up and he takes the day off, or works from home. His team are openly supportive, offering him the flexibility he needs without questioning his capability.

Meet Jane: Struggling with Anxiety and Depression in Silence

Then there’s Jane. Jane suffers from anxiety and depression, but instead of telling her boss, she lies about having migraines or period pain. She fears being passed over for promotions, or worse—losing her job. When Jane finally has a mental health crisis and ends up in the hospital, she’s forced to tell the truth. To her surprise her boss is supportive, offering flexibility and reassurance that her value hasn’t changed. But why did it take a crisis for Jane to feel safe sharing her mental health struggles openly?

Why is There a Stigma Around Mental Health at Work?

Why is there such a divide between how we treat Kate, Steve, and Jane? Kate’s diabetes and Steve’s prosthetic leg are seen as clear-cut medical issues deserving of understanding. But Jane’s mental health struggles remained hidden, fueled by fear of judgment. This highlights a common problem—mental health is often seen as less legitimate or less serious than physical health, and that’s where the stigma begins. Now not everyone sees it like this, but there are many that do.

Creating Change at Work

Just as we openly support colleagues with physical health issues, we should extend the same empathy and flexibility to those managing mental health conditions. The fear, shame, and secrecy surrounding mental illness keeps people like Jane from seeking help or speaking up. But workplaces have the power to change this.

Employers can start by fostering an environment where mental health is openly discussed, without judgment. Inviting mental health professionals to offer informational sessions is a great way to raise awareness and educate staff on how to support one another. These conversations are critical in breaking down the stigma and creating a culture where everyone feels comfortable seeking the support they need.

Take a Stand – Let’s Normalise Talking About Our Feelings

Kate, Steve, and Jane’s stories remind us that physical and mental health are equally important. No one should have to hide their mental health challenges out of fear of judgment or rejection. By standing up against the stigma and normalising conversations about mental health, we can create more inclusive and supportive workplaces.

If you’re ready to take the first step in creating mental health awareness at your workplace, our clinicians are here to help. Contact us today to arrange an information session for your team, and let’s start building a culture of understanding and support.

_{Written by Rebecca Deane – Clinical Psychologist – www.creatingchange.net.au
Psychology support in the Hills District, Western Sydney & Surrounds (including Rouse Hill, Bella Vista, Glenwood, Castle Hill, Kellyville, The Hawkesbury, Penrith Nepean, Blacktown, Epping, Ryde, Pennant Hills areas and surrounds)}