Citation

Honda N. Jpn. Med. Assn. J. JMAJ 2011; 54(2): 87-91.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Japan Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Mental health has been a key issue in Japan's workplaces, especially since the late 1990s. Firms with more than 50 workers are obligated by law to contract a medical doctor licensed in Japan to serve as an occupational physician for consultation on health management. A stagnation of the global economy of over a decade brought a drastic change to the workplace environment, which has influenced the mental health of many employees. In particular, major depression is a matter of concern due to the considerable suicide risk, and occupational physicians are expected to play an important role in this issue. Detecting and supporting workers suffering from depression in the early stages can save their lives and also increase corporate productivity. For a corporate organization, it is crucial that an occupational physician accumulate professional knowledge, experiences, and theories on the issues of mental health and work motivation improvement and share them with others within the organization. We occupational physicians needs to listen to both the employees and the company, understand each view, and offer proper advice to both sides. Though it may require years of experience to fulfill such roles, an occupational physician must have faith in oneself and never give up.

Language: en

Keywords

human; mental health; occupational health; major depression; awareness; early intervention; review; workplace; health care delivery; early diagnosis; psychologic assessment; social care; physician attitude; secondary prevention; health care management; health care need; work environment; occupational physician; work experience; mental health organization; Author's principle; Employee needs; Organization management