Reasons for Workplace Mental Illness Disclosure and Non-Disclosure in Japan

The employment of people with mental illness is increasing each year in Japan. When they choose regular employment, some choose to disclose their illness, and others do not. In this qualitative study in Japan, I conducted a questionnaire survey among people with mental illness with an employment history about their experiences with disclosing their mental illness. After the data were coded, categorized, and analyzed, I identified three common factors for non-disclosure to an employer or supervisor: anxiety about dismissal and not being hired, anxiety about unfavorable treatment, and anxiety about stigma. Education and consideration for the illness were identified as requests for the employer. Based on these findings, I concluded that people with mental illness anticipate social alienation at the time of hiring or while they are on the job, that they must take measures to improve their working environment and decrease stigma in the workplace to continue working, and that education and increased awareness of mental illness in the workplace are needed.