Mental health and mental disorders in the workplace

Abstract

The work environment can be considered one of the main determining factors that can influence the mental health of workers, especially as regards the structural and organisational conditions to which the worker is subjected. This work environment has positive effects when work provides satisfaction and contributes to personal self-fulfilment, or negative effects provoked by situations of stress, inadequate working patterns and schedules, possible situations of abuse and/or harassment, etc., which may contribute to the appearance of alterations in the mental health of the worker.

Therefore, it is crucial that organisations use strategies for mental health promotion and disease prevention in the workplace, as mental health problems arising from work represent a major burden of disease for society and the economy of a country.

Stress can be considered one of the main factors capable of disrupting a person’s mental health and determining the development of a mental disorder, but other individual, socio-cultural, organisational, biological, and environmental factors also play a role to a greater or lesser extent.

A negative work situation can trigger the development of serious mental disorders such as psychotic, neurotic, or cognitive disorders, as well as those derived from work-related stress and psychoactive substance abuse, and self-injurious behaviours. For early detection, treatment, reintegration, and/or rehabilitation, coordination between the public health system and occupational health or occupational risk prevention services is necessary.