Discrimination, harmful stereotypes and stigma in the community, family, schools and the workplace prevent healthy relationships and social interactions in inclusive environments that are needed for anyone’s well-being. In Chapter V, Section 25 of the Mental Health Act facilitates Mental Health Promotion and Policies in the Workplace it states that: • Employers shall develop appropriate policies and programs on mental health issues. • Correct the stigma and discrimination associated with mental conditions. • Identify and provide support, treatment, and psychosocial support for individuals with mental health conditions. What is Mental Health and why does it matter? Poor mental health is one of the biggest issues in the workplace today, causing over 70 million working days to be lost each year. This includes everything from the most commonly experienced symptoms of stress and anxiety, right to the more complex mental health conditions, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Training Module on the Right to Mental Health for the Security Sector It is also commonly believed that people with psychosocial disabilities and those with mental health conditions are incapable of exercising agency over decisions that concern them, which in turn compromises their care. As well as having a huge impact on individual employees, poor mental health has severe repercussions including increased staff turnover, sickness, and absences due to debilitating depression, burnout and exhaustion, decreased motivation, violence in the workplace, and lost productivity. Although the government health and associated sectors, and private organizations increasingly understand the importance of good mental health, many simply do not feel confident handling and communicating these issues in the workplace. Key Facts: • Work is good for mental health, but a negative working environment can lead to physical and mental health problems. • Depression and anxiety have a significant economic impact; the estimated cost to the global economy is USD 1 trillion per year in lost productivity. • Harassment and bullying at work are commonly reported problems and can have a substantial adverse impact on mental health. • There are many effective actions that organizations can take to promote mental health in the workplace – such actions may also benefit productivity. • For every USD 1 put into scaled up treatment for common mental disorders, there is a return of USD 4 in improved health and productivity. 10