October 10, 2024 – Zomba, Malawi: World Mental Health Day is marked every year on 10th October to raise awareness about mental health around the world and to mobilize efforts to support those experiencing mental health issues. This year the day is celebrated under the theme “Mental Health at Workplace” which provides an opportunity to highlight the vital connection between mental health and work and the importance of addressing mental health challenges in professional settings.
Malawi is grappling with an alarming rise in mental health challenges, including stress, depression and anxiety which have escalated due to economic hardships and relationship problems among others, which is also leading to high suicide cases. A recent study revealed that one in four Malawians experiences some form of mental health issue in their lifetime, yet the majority do not seek help due to stigma, lack of awareness and limited access to mental health services.
According to the World Health Organization, in the workplace mental health issues such as exhaustion, absenteeism, and low productivity are becoming increasingly common, contributing to a significant reduction in organizational efficiency. Many employees suffer in silence, fearing job loss or discrimination if they disclose their mental health challenges. Safe, healthy working environments can act as a protective factor for mental health. Unhealthy conditions including stigma, discrimination, and exposure to risks like harassment and other poor working conditions, can pose significant risks, affecting mental health, overall quality of life and consequently participation or productivity at work. With 60% of the global population in work, urgent action is needed to ensure work prevents risks to mental health and protects and supports mental health at work.
YONECO recognizes the importance of mental health in the workplace and as such it is calling upon employers, government and the private sector to support their workers’ health and safety to improve mental health at work. Employers should implement mental health policies, provide access to counselling services, and ensure a supportive and non-discriminatory environment where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health challenges. These actions should be done with the meaningful involvement of workers and their representatives and persons with lived experience of mental health conditions.
We also urge policymakers to increase investment in mental health services and to integrate workplace mental health programs into national health strategies. It is time to make mental health a priority at all levels to ensure a healthy, productive, and resilient workforce in Malawi.
