Many employees hide mental health struggles behind ordinary sick leave, experts warn.
For many employees, calling in sick with a “stomach bug” or “flu” may sometimes mask a different reality, a need for time away to manage anxiety, burnout or other mental health struggles.
According to research from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), more than half of employed South Africans live with a mental health condition, with burnout, clinical depression and anxiety among the most common diagnoses.
The issue remains largely invisible in workplaces, with many employees choosing not to disclose their struggles because of fears about how they may be perceived.
A SADAG survey found that only 57% of employees feel comfortable talking to their managers about mental health concerns, while just 48% believe they can trust their supervisors with sensitive personal information.
