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Mental Health Disabilities and Work in the Caribbean Region

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Disability in the Workplace

Part of the book series: Palgrave Explorations in Workplace Stigma ((PAEWS))

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Abstract

Of the types of disabilities which exist, mental health disabilities are perhaps the most stigmatised. Some of the prevailing stereotypes associated with mental illnesses include, (but are not limited to), beliefs that they may be unpredictable, unproductive, difficult with whom to work, their condition likely to deteriorate at any point in time, and they will either harm others or become disruptive in a workplace setting, and as such, they are regarded as less desirable employees, than persons with physical disabilities (Ali et al., 2013; Ren et al., 2008). As a consequence, it is more likely that an employee will reveal physical limitations rather than mental health challenges. This chapter will examine the engagement of persons with mental health challenges in contemporary organisations. It is evident that discriminating against individuals with mental illness by excluding them from the workforce, or stigmatising them at work, contributes to further declines in their mental health and wellness and consequently, has an adverse impact on the economies of the Caribbean.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is an international standard diagnostic classification for a wide variety of health conditions, ICD-10 focuses on mental and behavioural disorders.

  2. 2.

    The treatment gap for mental disorders “refers to the difference that exists between the number of people who need care and those who receive care” (Jansen et al., 2015).

  3. 3.

    Though it has been noted in previous chapters, it bears repeating here that the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which is binding on signatory islands that have ratified or acceded to it, mandates these jurisdictions to protect and promote the rights of all persons with disabilities, and to promote their inclusion (WHO, 2021).

  4. 4.

    Additional mental health laws in the Caribbean include:—Mental Health Act of Jamaica, 2009; Mental Health Act, 1975 (Trinidad and Tobago); Mental Treatment Act, 1957 (Antigua & Barbuda); Mental Health Act, 2006 (Anguilla); Mental Health Act, 2008 (Grenada); Mental Health Act, 1969 (Bahamas); Mental Health Act, 1987 (Dominica); Mental Health Act, 1930 (Guyana); Mental Health Act, 1956 (St. Kitts and Nevis).

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Stephenson, J.H., Persadie, N. (2023). Mental Health Disabilities and Work in the Caribbean Region. In: Disability in the Workplace. Palgrave Explorations in Workplace Stigma. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-19340-8_5

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