Young Adults' Experiences of Disclosing Mental Illness in the Workplace in South Korea

Background and Purpose: In Korean society, young adults with mental illness encounter significant challenges when it comes to disclosing their illness in the workplace, primarily due to pervasive social stigma surrounding mental health. Consequently, they often face a lack of accommodation and stigmatized attitudes from both their employers and coworkers, potentially leading to decreased job satisfaction and retention. Furthermore, the decision not to disclose their mental illness may result in preoccupation and psychological distress. However, the dynamics and process of how they determine whether to disclose and its impact on their life at work remain unclear. This study explored the disclosure experiences of young adults with mental illness in the workplace in South Korea.

Methods: Participants were recruited through purposive sampling from community-based mental health agencies. In-depth interviews on disclosure experiences were conducted with 14 young adults diagnosed with mental illness and aged 22 to 34. All participants had been employed or were currently working in mainstream businesses for at least 1 month to 3 years. Their diagnoses varied, including schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, and personality disorder, with the period since diagnosis ranging from 1 to 19 years. Thematic analysis was employed to identify overarching themes.

Results: The analysis revealed a multifaceted process and intricate dynamics concerning the decision-making process of whether to disclose mental illness in the workplace and subsequent impacts on the professional lives of young adults grappling with mental health conditions. Four themes emerged regarding the disclosure context, whereas six themes were identified concerning the consequences of disclosure decisions. Participants expressed a need for support in managing their mental health while at work, given apprehension about potential stigma upon disclosing their illnesses. Consequently, they remained vigilant, striving to prevent their mental health conditions from being exposed and speculating on potential repercussions of disclosure. This pressure sometimes led participants to feel compelled to disclose, albeit selectively to supportive individuals. Others chose to proactively communicate about their mental illness and associated challenges, resulting in a reduction of physical and psychological discomfort due to the accommodation and support they received. However, for some, anxiety persisted regarding potential rumors and the prospect of facing discrimination and prejudice in the workplace.

Conclusion and implications: This study revealed diverse contexts shaping disclosure decisions and subsequent experiences in the workplace among young adults in South Korea. Despite receiving support after disclosure, young adults with mental illness continued to face challenges, including fear of stigma and anxieties surrounding disclosure decisions before and after disclosure. Psychosocial support is needed to better assist young adults with mental illness in navigating their disclosure decisions and coping with the impacts of disclosure. Furthermore, organizational culture should foster a sense of acceptance and support to promote open discussions about mental illness at work. Efforts to reduce stigma and create inclusive workplaces that prioritize mental health support can ultimately enhance the well-being and productivity of individuals with mental illness in the workforce.