New podcast about mental health

To mark International Mental Health Day on October 10 (World Mental Health Day), the Kaufmännische Verband Schweiz is launching a new podcast mini-series on the topic of "Mental Health in the Workplace" on its Spotify channel "kfmv-talks". The five-part series breaks down social taboos: Those affected share their experiences of dealing with mental stress. Experts from the fields of research, coaching, occupational health management and prevention provide knowledge and valuable practical tips.

"I think it would be a big step if people recognized that there are mental illnesses or exceptional mental situations." Sandra* is not alone in this statement. According to the Swiss Health Observatory (Obsan), around a third of the Swiss population suffers from mental health problems. The most common symptoms include mild to severe depression and anxiety disorders.
Although society's awareness of mental well-being has increased significantly in recent years, mental illness remains a difficult issue, particularly in a professional context. While more than a third of the Swiss population lives with a long-term health problem, 18% report impairment due to mental health problems (cf. FSO 2023). Women are more likely to report medium or high levels of mental stress (21%) than men (14%). The 15 to 24 age group is particularly at risk.

In the podcast, affected individuals report on how they have experienced and coped with mental stress and illness in the workplace. Targeted interviews with partners of the Kaufmännischer Verband Schweiz and specialists help to better understand and classify this complex topic and break down social taboos.

Episode 1: Myth and reality check
With Prof. Dr. Andreas Krause, lecturer at the FHNW School of Applied Psychology

Episode 2: How to return to work after an outage
With Janett Gründer, Prevention and Integration Advisor at the Canton of Zurich's Social Insurance Implementation Office (SVA)

Episode 3: Managers are challenged
With Bettina Osterwalder, "First Aid for Mental Health" coach and company partner at Pro Mente Sana

Episode 4: The role of occupational health management
With Valérie Gardel, Head of HR and Occupational Health Management (OHM) at SWICA

Episode 5: How prevention strengthens well-being

Source: KV Switzerland