Employee and employer attitudes towards depression influence the health of those struggling with the disorder, say U of C researchers.
According to Rachel Martin, a doctoral candidate in the clinical psychology program, reducing the stigma around mental health illness is an important issue that needs to be addressed in the workplace.
“Most people don’t realize that the public’s attitude towards depression really has a huge impact on symptoms and treatment,” said Martin.
The often-negative response to depression often prevents people from seeking the help they need. Beyond the personal and social effects, depression costs billions of dollars each year across Canada, in lost work, reduced productivity and health-care costs.
Martin is currently looking for employed individuals to participate in the study. For more information, call 403-220-4971 or email StigmaProgram @ucalgary.ca.
