Feature

Mind over matter: How we can shatter mental health stigma in manufacturing

“Let’s talk about mental health.” It’s a daunting phrase, isn’t it? We Brits may not be bringing football home or winning Eurovision any time soon, but when it comes to suppressing our emotions under that all-important stiff upper lip, we're definitely world champions.

30/06/2023 10:43:47

Font size:

(Well, unless it’s our feelings about the weather, of course. If you haven’t engaged in a lively discussion about today’s weather with at least one other person, then really, what have you been doing? Where’s your sense of patriotism?!)

All jokes aside, though, mental health is something that we, as an industry, just don’t talk about enough. Despite increased awareness in recent years, it is often still stigmatised – especially within the workplace. This makes it difficult for employees to recognise mental ill health, let alone feel able to reach out for help. In fact, over half (50.3 percent) of UK-based manufacturing and engineering professionals are uncomfortable discussing how they feel, as indicated by recent research from GWI.

The manufacturing environment is not necessarily always conducive to nurturing employees’ mental well-being...

Read the full article in DPA's July issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.