According to a recent study released by the Conference Board of Canada, over half of all employed Canadian women suffer from mental illness.

The highest prevalence of mental illness was found in people who work in sectors including the government, culture, food and accommodation.

Altogether, some 4.2 million employed Canadians are affected by mental illness. The Mental Health Commission of Canada revealed that it costs the economy as much as $50 billion per year.

Advocates are trying to convince employers to do more to be understanding, meet a troubled employee halfway on the mental health front.

Legal experts noted that if employees need accommodation from their bosses while dealing with a mental health illness or disability, they must be reasonable and specific. For example, a person dealing from depression might need extra sick days, or time off during the day to see a therapist.

An employer wants their desk moved to a quieter corner of the office. However, for that they have to be specific and ask.

James Heeney, an employment lawyer and partner at the Toronto firm Robinson Heeney, said, "If you're not seeking accommodation you barely have a right to it. The biggest mistakes we typically see is, number one, an employee not actually going to HR and disclosing they need some accommodation".

It is usually complained by the employers that an employee hasn't responded to requests for a doctor's note or other information.