The objective of this years’ Mental Health Day is to make mental health and wellbeing a priority for all, being treated on an equal footing as physical health, and with the same awareness. It’s about giving everyone a chance to talk about mental health as well as making them more comfortable with others to talk about their struggles.
It comes as the world is still recovering from the impact of lockdown – with the after effects of isolation and worry still prevalent in many lives. On a more positive note, both awareness of and acceptance and respect for mental health issues are far less of a taboo topic. In this respect, we have come a long way. But, as long as people still feel reluctant to share their mental health concerns, we still have some way to go.
In support of World Mental Health Day, we look at some of these issues, concluding with suggestions to help improve mental health in the workplace and for individuals.
The impact of lockdown
Lockdown made a huge impact on mental health. The Mental Health Foundation found that 24% of adults struggled with loneliness during lockdown no matter what their age. Many were unwilling to leave their homes or became stressed with the pressures of remote working, isolation from family and colleagues and financial concerns, not to mention the grief over loved ones lost during the pandemic. Even returning to work, many still find the thought of large crowds and public transport traumatic.
Changing attitudes towards mental health
Attitudes towards mental health have changed significantly over time. Now, people are much more open and understanding of what others are going through. Musician Sam Fender recently tweeted that he and his band felt ‘burnt out’ and that ‘My friends and colleagues have been worried about me for a while and it’s not going to get better unless I take the time to do so.’ His is an example of people in the public eye placing their mental health before professional commitments.
Many others have helped raise awareness by sharing their own struggles such as Prince Harry and Meghan and the Prince and Princess of Wales. Whilst they opened up to society about their own mental health experiences, they spearheaded a charity called ‘Heads together’ which tries to tackle the stigma of mental health issues as well as changing the conversation on mental health. These high-profile personalities, their charities and the awareness they generate have helped many people and can help many more. However, awareness is one thing, but what about the underlying causes of poor mental health, particularly at work?
Mental health in the workplace
There are many things that can affect someone’s mental health at work. A study by Mind revealed that poor mental health was widespread throughout the workplace and that 48% of all people surveyed said they had experienced a mental health problem with their current work.
Contributory causes include:
- Burnout – the pandemic brought extra pressures often caused by inability to influence what was happening with job roles and concerns over loss of control. For many, the answer was to be ever more productive, with no one around to notice the impact.
- Stress – not only events at work. The pressures affecting home life often spill into the workplace, including loss and bereavement.
- Concerns due to the current cost-of-living crisis, heating costs and increasing mortgage repayments.
- Social isolation – as we’ve already covered, the pandemic cut many off from the company of others with lasting impact on their mental health.
How can employers better support their people?
There are many things that could help someone who is struggling with their mental health at work such as:
- Training line managers to be more aware of the signs of someone who has mental health struggles.
- Supporting those with an interest to train as mental wellbeing advocates.
- Supporting the objectives of Mental Health Day by treating mental health and physical health equally.
- Encouraging positive mental health activities such as arranging mental health workshops.
- Allowing more flexibility with work schedule – reducing the stress that some people encounter managing work and life commitments.
It is also hugely beneficial if leaders in the workplace are more open about their struggles too, as it helps make others more comfortable to be able to talk about their own. This will help create a culture of acceptance and support.
Personal approaches to better mental health
- Talking about your feelings with someone, perhaps your mental wellbeing advocate if you have one at work, or a trusted friend.
- Eating well, drinking sensibly and prioritising sleep.
- Keep in touch with friends and family members to help create a supportive team.
- Taking regular breaks from work or the things that cause you stress – even a 5 minute break can bring benefits.
- Do something you enjoy such as a hobby.
- Accept how unique you are!
In conclusion
There are many factors affecting someone’s mental health and many things that can be done to offer support whether they be employees or friends. That’s why we think the awareness raised by Mental Health Day has a role to play in helping mental health become an equal to physical health in society and the workplace.
For more information about this year’s Mental Health Day, please see the Mental Health Foundation’s dedicated page and resources:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/world-mental-health-day
