Prominent psychiatrists are raising concerns about the growing trend of classifying workplace dissatisfaction, including disliking one's boss, as a mental health condition. They argue this approach risks overmedicalising normal human emotions and could ultimately harm employees' wellbeing.
The Dangers of Overdiagnosis
Experts warn that labelling common workplace frustrations as mental health disorders may:
- Trivialise serious psychiatric conditions
- Encourage unnecessary medical treatment
- Create a culture of victimhood in workplaces
- Shift focus from addressing genuine workplace issues
Where to Draw the Line?
While chronic workplace stress can certainly impact mental health, specialists emphasise the importance of distinguishing between:
- Normal emotional responses to difficult situations
- Clinical conditions requiring professional intervention
Dr. Lucy Johnstone, a consultant clinical psychologist, states: "We're seeing an increasing tendency to pathologise ordinary human experiences. Not getting along with your manager isn't a mental illness - it might just mean you have a bad boss."
The Corporate Wellness Dilemma
The debate comes as companies invest heavily in mental health initiatives. While well-intentioned, some programs may:
- Medicalise normal stress responses
- Focus on individual coping rather than systemic change
- Create dependency on workplace counselling
Psychiatrists suggest companies should prioritise improving management practices and workplace culture rather than treating employee dissatisfaction as a medical issue.
