A virtual seminar on "Mental Health and Work: Challenges for everyone in the Americas" was held on April 28, on the occasion of World Day for Safety and Health at Work. Four presentations on different experiences were made during the event.
The first experience, "Expanding the notion of health and security: modern solutions for 21st century challenges," was presented by Dr. Sapna Mahajan, Director of Mental Health Prevention and Promotion of Initiatives, Mental Health Commission of Canada.
Mental health problems have a strong impact on the workplace. Depression and stress are two of the major problems in the workplace, causing attendance issues and legal implications, among other things. Certain risk factors can worsen the situation. Canada has developed standards with tools to prevent psychological damage and promote mental health in work environments.
The second experience, "Seven actions towards a mentally healthy organization," was presented by Dr. Tine Van Bortel, Senior Research Associate in Global Public Health, University of Cambridge, UK.
Work and the workplace have changed considerably in the 21st century because of globalization, technology and economic migration, which have created new opportunities but also new challenges relating to the workers' health. This guide has been produced by experts from across the world of business, academia and mental health. They were brought together as part of the Global Agenda Council on Mental Health, and convened by the World Economic Forum. This guide has been produced to help individuals develop a mentally healthy work environment.
The presentation of the third experience, "Work-related mental pathology: Orientation Guide for returning to work," was conducted by Dr. Elisa Ansoleaga, Director of the School of Psychology, Universidad Diego Portales, Chile.
Work-related mental health conditions have increased by 87% in this country, representing 24% of all occupational diseases. This represents psychosocial and economic costs and generates special difficulties when returning to work. The processes associated with labor reintegration represent a challenge for the current paradigms of intervention in occupational health. For dealing with this subject, Chile has developed a guide to the successful reintegration of workers into the workplace.
Finally, Dr. Adelia Capistrano, Consultant with the General Coordination of Mental Health Alcohol and other Drugs at the Ministry of Health of Brazil, presented "Mental health and solidarity economy: the Brazilian experience ".
With the perspective that health is a citizen's right and a duty that the state must guarantee, Brazil has developed a National Mental Health Policy. One of the most important goals of this policy is to achieve psychosocial rehabilitation through social inclusion and work, by promoting the empowerment of people with mental health problems and their families. Initiatives were developed to ensure access to work, home, education and culture.
