Dov is a doctor. He also lives with bipolar disorder. Despite his medical profession, he still experiences stigma at work. Watch Dr Dov's helpful advice.
“My advice would be to tell people you feel comfortable with, and try to be as open about it as possible, because the more we talk about this as a community, the more that the stigmatising is going to be removed for future generations.”
“I want people to know that even from the position I am in as a practising physician, I have experienced loneliness and stigmatisation. When I’m suffering with things in my head, no one else can see it...it makes me feel like I'm dealing with it all on my own".
How to have conversations about mental health at work
Being aware of mental health issues and the impacts they may have on people in the workplace is important for so many reasons – for the person affected, for colleagues, for managers and employers, and for productivity as well.
To help, see SANE’s practical guide on managing mental illness in the workplace, including examples of how to have conversations with colleagues experiencing mental health issues.
Top tip – it starts with understanding, supporting and listening.
And if you feel like you need some additional help or advice, you'll have free access to SANE's 'best in class' 1 to 1 Wellbeing Check-in - a 25-minute mental health check-in and chat with a professional Peer Support Worker, completely anonymous and confidential, at a time that suits you.
This free Wellbeing Check-in is available exclusively to International Towers community members in Tower Two, Tower Three or International House.
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Mental Health Month encourages us all to think about our mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether we may have a lived experience of mental ill-health or not. We're incredibly proud and excited to partner with SANE Australia, a national charity helping people live long and fulfilling lives, free from stigma and discrimination. They support anyone affected by mental health issues, including family and friends, through information and stories, peer support, and counselling.