TABOO - MENTAL ILLNESS AT THE WORKPLACE

by Jana Kalms

    Synopsis

    Mentally ill at the work place – something that is not talked about, something that is still a societal taboo. Being mentally ill symbolizes weakness in our achievement-oriented society. Many employees hide their mental crises because they worry about their jobs. This trend is on the increase: More and more German employees take time off work due to mental illnesses. Jana Kalms' film explores what it means to be mentally ill at the work place. She accompanies four protagonists, who have to find their way back into the work force after a mental illness.