What is mental health and why does it matter?
When we think of health our focus is often on the physical. How do our bodies feel? Mental health is about the other side of the coin; how well we feel emotionally. This aspect can hugely influence our lives as it impacts on how we behave and our relationships with others.
Good mental health means you are better able to cope with stressful situations and make choices with long-term benefits. That we would all want to have excellent health of any kind seems obvious but with mental health, this is more complicated due to the stigma that surrounds it. Negative and judgemental attitudes are common and encouraged by media sensationalism. The message is often that poor mental health makes you a danger to yourself and others.
The unfortunate side effect of this is that people are less likely to seek help. Feeling ashamed and isolated, they try to hide their problems for fear of judgement and rejection leading to a downward spiral.
Supporting World Mental Health Day
So, what should you do to support World Mental Health Day? The theme for this year was chosen by the World Health Organisation (WHO). They acknowledge that the pandemic has made things worse as regards mental health but that things weren’t looking too good before 2020. 65% of people say that they have experienced a mental health problem. Mind report that 6 in 100 people will be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in any given week. 52% of employees show symptoms of depression.
The answer to a global issue is to start closer to home. Be the change to want to see and start with yourself. Think about your own mental health and that of the people around you. In common with other hidden disabilities, poor mental health isn’t always obvious and can present in different ways. A manager who is bad-tempered. A co-worker who is considered lazy. Many people do not know how to support friends, relatives or even colleagues who are experiencing poor mental health.
You can challenge the stigma by thinking about your own use of language. Do you use ‘nutter’ as a put down? Or eagerly join gossip about a friend who is behaving in an out-of-control manner? Showing compassion and thinking about what might be driving those behaviours, and if they need some support, could go a long way.
Learning about positive mental health
A really good way to find out more about mental health and make a difference is by taking some training. We offer two courses with a focus on mental health in the workplace.
Understanding Mental Health in the Workplace looks at common mental health conditions, legislation related to mental health and promoting positive mental health. It’s a great starting point if you’re just beginning to learn more about this area.
Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace
is an ideal qualification for first aiders and human resources managers. It’s also useful for team leaders, supervisors and workplace mental health champions. As well as covering information about different conditions, this course looks at how employers can provide support to employees in the workplace and assist those off work or returning to work.
The most important thing you can do for World Mental Health Day is to take action, no matter how small it seems.
Let us support you as you change the approach to mental health in your workplace.
Get in touch and let’s see how our expertise can promote positive mental health in your workplace.
Show compassion. Start to make a difference.
