As the world celebrates Mental Health Day on October 10 each year, FMV (le Forum pour la Mémoire Vigilante), which is interested on mental health issues, chose to talk to a specialist in the field. Dr Denis KAZUNGU suggests “thinking about well thought-out and elaborate prevention programs that take into account the challenges of the moment and the specificities of certain professions, and instituting an evaluation in the form of a regular check-up…”.
Dr Denis is a clinical psychologist & psychopathologist with degrees from the University of Mons and the Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium. He also holds a Diploma in Human Rights, and is Director of research and medico-psychosocial services at Forum Pour la Memoire Vigilante, FMV. He is interested in mental health problems and associated illnesses that escape medical diagnosis, with a particular focus on mental health and the maternity process.
The chosen theme of International Mental Health Day, 2024 is mental health in the workplace. Why this theme?
The issue of mental health is currently in vogue throughout the world, and mental health problems in the workplace are invading all spheres of life. The choice of this theme could be linked to the various constants made across different countries and increasingly alarming work situations to raise awareness of these health issues among countries, institutions and individuals.
You talk about the increasingly alarming situation of mental health in the workplace around the world. How serious is the issue?
It’s a growing issue. For example, in the USA, 57% of workers say they are currently suffering from at least moderate burnout. 75% of women versus 58% of men.
In Finland, over 50% of the working population present symptoms of stress – anxiety, depression, pain, sleep disorders – and 7% suffer from severe overwork.
In Germany, depressive illnesses are responsible for almost 7% of early retirements, and work incapacity resulting from depression is around 2.5 times longer than that caused by other illnesses.
In the UK, 3/10 of employees experience mental health problems, and 1/20 of workers are seriously affected each year.
In Canada, 70% of workers are concerned about psychological health and safety at work, and 40% of sick leave is linked to a mental health problem, representing over $51 billion in losses.
In Africa, 11% of 100,000 employees commit suicide, above the WHO-recognized average of 9%; this is a health issue that deserves special attention from governments and professional circles.
You mention earlier that men and women are affected differently. Is there an implication for mental health in the workplace?
Yes, when it comes to mental health, men and women are almost always affected differently. The reasons are linked to certain differences in psychophysiological functioning, the weight of the cultural dimension and harassment, which affect women more than men. Psychological distress, for example, affects women 18% versus 12% for men, difficulty falling asleep and insomnia 40% for women versus 28% for men, feelings of loneliness 42% for women versus 32% for men, depression 10% for women versus 8% for men. The same applies to burnout, to which we can add the psychological burden of certain forms of menstrual precariousness, causing some women to miss out on professional promotions or even early retirement.
Many people then find themselves in a diagnostic and therapeutic wandering for illnesses and other health problems resulting from menstruation, without even knowing it, and doctors often find it difficult to unravel. That’s why at FMV we’ve already carried out a number of activities relating to mental health and the maternity process, and we’re looking to collaborate on extending them to care institutions.
What do you propose as a solution?
First of all, we need to recognize that mental health in the workplace is an urgent issue that needs to be integrated into the workplace. Profitability depends on it. We need qualified, experienced professionals who know how to use tools (internationally validated tests), because stress, depression, anxiety and burnout can be measured. This will help us develop tailor-made programs. Of course, we need to think about well-thought-out and elaborate prevention programs that take into account current challenges and the specificities of certain professions.
The introduction of a regular evaluation check-up form (every year, for example) shall enables us to integrate mechanisms such as therapeutic half-time, compulsory health breaks, etc. Finally, the lack of regular interaction between different institutions, stakeholders and professionals (doctors, mental health professionals) is a challenge. This would help to establish a common understanding of certain challenges and overcome individual limitations.
In the great lakes région of Africa, the situation is alarming…
In Rwanda, as reported by the online newspaper Igihe, “32% of employees of large companies have at some time thought of committing suicide”, according to a study conducted by RBC, a biomedical agency of the Ministry of Public Health. (Article by Igihe.com : https://tinyurl.com/45ctjntc )
In Burundi, more than 4 out of ten people suffer from mental problems, according to a survey carried out in four provinces two months ago. A reality revealed on the eve of World Mental Health Day. (Article by https://www.iwacu-burundi.org : https://tinyurl.com/bdf46m37 )
In fact, out of 3,000 households in the provinces of Ngozi, Gitega, Bujumbura-mairie and Rumonge, more than 64% had a psychological problem, with more than 47% experiencing a more severe episode of disorder. These figures were revealed by the Ministry of Health on Tuesday October 8, on the eve of World Mental Health Day.
WHO concern
To mark World Mental Health Day, the WHO is joining forces with its partners to highlight the vital link between mental health and the workplace. Creating healthy and safe working environments helps to protect mental health. On the contrary, factors detrimental to health – including stigmatization, discrimination and exposure to risks such as harassment and other poor working conditions – can significantly compromise mental health, overall quality of life and, consequently, participation or productivity at work. Given that 60% of the world’s population works, urgent action is needed to protect and promote mental health at work and prevent related risks.
According to WHO, It is vital that public authorities, employers, organizations representing workers and employers, and other stakeholders responsible for health and safety at work, work together to improve mental health in the workplace. Workers and their representatives, as well as those with practical experience of mental health problems, must be constructively involved in efforts to improve mental health in the workplace. By devoting efforts and resources to implementing evidence-based approaches and interventions in the workplace, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive at work and in life in general. Let’s take action today for a healthier tomorrow.