Disclosing A Mental Illness When Returning To Work After Sickness Absence
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v28i5.668Keywords:
disclosure, mental illness, employment, workplace, stigmaAbstract
As part of the RETURN study, a mixed-methods, multi-center, cluster-randomized controlled trial that surveyed inpatients with mental disorders in psychiatric units in the greater Munich area, it was our aim to gain a better understanding of individual disclosure experiences and their effects and consequences. We conducted 15 interviews with persons with mental disorders that had been hospitalized in psychiatric clinics and returned to their workplace afterwards. The participants showed individual disclosure strategies and viewed their decisions as highly situational. A main reason for non-disclosure was fear of negative consequences, whereas a common reason for disclosure was the level of trust. In all interviews, the importance of mental illnesses being recognized as equivalent to somatic illnesses was stressed. Supporting people in their disclosure decision is about decision-making and finding a way to deal with the outcome of the personal disclosure situation and thus feeling comfortable enough to return to the workplace. Employers should support this process by fostering an attitude that accepts mental illnesses and reduces prejudice and stigmatization.
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