History/work and mental health

Question 1

Outline at least one historical change in understandings of mental health problems

Answer 1

• From 2000 years ago in Ancient Greece to 500 years ago in the middle ages our explanations of emotions and mental illness included physical imbalances in bodily fluids to the effect supernatural forces.
• However, the identification of a disorder similar to OCD was made as early as 850 AD in Persia with separation of physical and psychological explanations for mental distress

Question 2

Outline at least one historical change in the treatment of mental health problems

Answer 2

• In the past 500 years, supernatural explanations for mental illness have declined and have been replaced by biological and psychological theories and treatments.
• The development of medication was a turning point in treatment
• Changes and developments of psychological treatments have also taken place

Question 3

Describe the significance of mental health problems as a cause of sickness absence from work

Answer 3

An overall decline over years
Higher rates of absence in
- public sector compared to private
- people in large organisations
women
- older workers (50+)
- people with long term health conditions

Question 4

Define work stress, describe typical symptoms, and give examples of factors that may cause or contribute to it

Answer 4

• “The adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them at work.“ HSE

Physical: lack of appetite, insomnia, headaches, tiredness, high blood pressure

Behavioural: Lack of interest, feeling unable to cope, feeling of failure, irritability, loss of sense on humour

Cognitive: forgetfulness and disorganisation, inability to focus, poor judgement, pessimism

Question 5

Summarise one model of work stress

Answer 5

High demand, high control = active
High demand, low control = high strain
Low demand, high control = low strain
Low demand, low control = passive

Question 6

Describe briefly one study into the effects of unemployment on mental health, and one theory or approach which explains the benefits of work for mental health

Answer 6

Supported by research
- FT nurses (Ganster et al., 2001)
- Work-family conflict in working women (Gronlund, 2007)

Question 7

Describe the types of interventions that may be put in place to reduce work stress

Answer 7

• Take a flexible approach to working hours
• Provide the option to work from home
• Manage work volume
• Consider the physical working environment
• Provide increased supervision
• Increase support from other members of staff
• Offer training
• Create a compassionate culture
• Phase their return to work
  Consider job redeployment

Question 8

Describe the effects of stigma, the legal rights and support of people with mental health problems at work

Answer 8

• Isolates people
• May lead to lost friendships and relationships
• Excludes people from day-to-day activities
• Stops people getting and keeping jobs
• Prevents people seeking help
• Has a negative impact on physical health
• May delay people from seeking help