In order to create psychologically healthy workplaces, it’s essential that all of us – including union members and employers – understand what we can do to start the conversation about mental health.

Stigma and discrimination are two of the biggest problems facing people with mental health challenges.

Stigma means seeing people with mental illness negatively because of their health condition. Stigma can cause you to fear being labeled or judged if you admit to mental health challenges. Because of the fear of being stigmatized, some people don’t seek treatment or talk to those close to them about their symptoms.