Better understanding common mental disorders to better support the return to work
What are common mental disorders ?
This term encompasses common conditions in our modern societies: anxiety disorders, mood disorders (including depression), disorders related to chronic stress, and burnout.
Our psychologist, Stéphanie Delroisse, explains:
"They cause intense fatigue, loss of energy, relationship issues, demotivation, deep disengagement, and disrupt emotional regulation in those who suffer from them."
These are all factors that initially make work difficult, if not impossible.
Impact on professional life
This is why sick leave becomes a necessity, not a luxury. It is a crucial step in the recovery process. But it should not drag on without proper support, as this could lead to a form of disconnection from the professional world.
Work as a therapeutic tool?
After the initial shock and stabilization, a common question from healthcare professionals, employers... and patients themselves arises:
Can work help improve mental health?
Our psychologist shares her experience:
"I tend to promote the return to work for people suffering from a common mental disorder, as I have observed how it can serve as a driver for physical and mental recovery."
She adds:
"Work allows people to develop or express their potential, to learn, to face challenges, to feel useful. It is also a great means of social connection, which is often weakened during periods of psychological suffering."
Of course, reintegration after a long absence must be gradual, supported, and tailored to the employee’s capabilities. It's not about imposing performance pressure, but about restoring meaning, structure, and a secure space for evolution. Hence the importance of well-being at work as a crucial element for reintegration and prevention.
Conclusion: A necessary change in perspective
Our view of common mental disorders must change more than ever. These conditions are not a sign of lack of willpower or character flaws. They are illnesses in their own right, with symptoms, treatments, and recovery phases.
Supporting the return to work for those affected is not only a contribution to their recovery but also to the destigmatization of mental health disorders in our society.
Work can be a risk, but it can also become a powerful therapeutic tool, provided it is understood, well-supported, and approached with care.
