Making the link: Mental health, equity and work

An estimated one in five people of working age experience a mental disorder; the general lifetime prevalence is twice as high. A majority of people with mental disorders are in work. They tend to stay employed, but either take sick leave more often or find their performance is negatively affected. The median age for mental health problems is 15; disorders are linked to low school performance and absence, which naturally impacts on work prospects, particularly for women and people from lower social economic groups. Mental health and wellbeing remains a neglected area in health policy in many countries due to stigmas, low awareness and under-treatment (50-70% of affected people do not receive treatment) with resulting high social and economic costs.

Find this policy précis here.