“40% of all work-related illnesses are due to stress”

A leadership lecturer at the University of Stellenbosch Business School, Dr Renata Schoeman, says there is still stigma attached to depression in the workplace.

A 2016 study found that one in four workers suffered from depression.

Schoeman says more than 40% of all work-related illnesses are due to stress, depression, burnout and anxiety.

She says people that do have the means to access health services are scared of accessing the services due to the stigma that still remains in the workplace surrounding anxiety and depression.

“There is the misconceptions of depression, meaning ‘I am weak’. it’s a sign of weakness, not understanding that its a biological disorder that we can be treated,” says Schoeman.