Introduction:
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 50% of people globally hold jobs, with 15% of working-age adults facing mental health challenges. This is a global issue that affects not just individuals but also workplaces and communities. People often face a range of challenges when they don’t get the right mental health care, including identity theft, decreased productivity, increased absenteeism at work, confidence loss, and occasionally even losing their jobs.
It is also said due to recent research, 12 billion work days are missed each year owing to worry and depression. Because mental health issues have an impact on international trade, this decrease in productivity emphasizes the need of providing mental health services in the workplace. Furthermore, because work is essential for recovery, people with serious illnesses are occasionally excluded from the labor sector.
World Mental Health Day Is On October 10:
Healthy ideas, feelings, and behaviours are impossible without mental health, an essential component of human wholeness. Our mental health is shaped by our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, not simply the absence of mental illness. Realizing one’s full potential and building strong communities is heavily reliant on one’s mental health.
Every year on October 10, we mark World Mental Health Day to raise awareness about mental health issues and advocate initiatives to improve mental health treatment. The theme for World Mental Health Day in 2023 is “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right.” This issue reveals the essential truth that mental health is a basic right for everyone, not a privilege limited to a few, just like every other aspect of human life.
Why Does Mental Health Really Matter?
Mental health is an important part of overall well-being. It serves as the foundation for self-actualization and other goals, and it is inextricably linked to individual functionality, productivity, and even longevity.
Some noteworthy statistics about mental health are:
Depression can impact people from all walks of life. Although it can affect anyone, there are specific circumstances that make an individual more likely to develop depression. Those who have experienced abuse, substantial life losses, or other very stressful situations may be predisposed to developing depression.
Depression affects 3.8% of the population worldwide.When age and gender are taken into account, 5% of adults are diagnosed with depression. This rate applies to both men and women, with 4% and 6% respectively.
Anxiety: It causes people to experience increased fear and worry. Physical stress, as well as a variety of behavioral and cognitive symptoms, may accompany these latter emotions. Anxiety disorders go beyond occasional fussing, causing substantial disruption in daily living. Anxiety disorders affect about 4% of the world’s population. According to the World Health Organization, everyone has the right to work, and all employees have the right to a safe and healthy working environment. Work can both safeguard and increase mental health issues. The good news is that any unfavorable situations associated with to mental health at work are avoidable, and there is a lot that can be done to protect and enhance mental health at work.
Tips To Improve Mental Health At the Workplace
It is advisable to improve your mental health, especially given how many individuals work long hours. Here are some simple ways to boost mental wellness at work:
Reward: When employees’ achievements are recognized, morale and job satisfaction improve.
Stress Control: Provide workshops, training, or resources to help employees deal with or manage workplace stress.
Transparency: Create an environment in which people may talk about their mental health issues without fear of stigma or persecution.
Having Work-Life Balance: It is vital to encourage and let people separate their professional and personal lives so that they can relax and care for themselves.
Mental Health Programs for Employees: Provide support applications, counseling, and instructional resources.
What Is Mental Health Stigma?
Mental health stigma is when people view someone with mental health challenges negatively or unfairly. This can cause them to feel judged, ashamed, or avoid seeking help. Reducing stigma is important to create a more supportive and understanding environment for everyone.
Have You Come Across These Stigmas Before?
The stigmas can deeply affect individuals by invalidating their struggles and discouraging them from seeking help. These dismissive attitudes create feelings of shame, isolation, and self-doubt. Over time, this emotional burden can worsen their mental well-being and hinder recovery. You would have heard these phrases at least once in your life. Some of them are as follows:
- Just think happy thoughts – Positive thinking alone doesn’t cure mental health struggles.
- You’re exaggerating – Everyone’s pain is real, no matter how it looks to others.
- This is all in your mind – Mental health affects both the mind and body; it’s not imaginary.
- Why are you so emotional? – Emotions are human, and it’s okay to feel deeply.
- Show some strength – Strength lies in seeking help, not in hiding feelings.
- You’re making a scene – Expressing distress isn’t dramatic, it’s a call for understanding.
- You’re not trying hard enough – Mental health challenges don’t disappear with effort alone.
- You’re just avoiding responsibility – Managing mental health is a responsible and necessary step.
- You are making excuses for your behavior – Mental health struggles explain behavior, they don’t excuse it.
- Why are you always so negative? – It’s not negativity, it’s often a sign of deeper emotional pain.
Making a Mental Health Policy at Work:
Creating a mental health policy in the workplace is crucial because it recognizes the enormous impact that mental well-being has on employees, and thus on the organization as a whole. To begin, this indicates an organization’s commitment to its workforce’s holistic health by recognizing that mental health is just as important as physical health for all employees.
Furthermore, a mental health policy will ensure a systematic approach to successfully dealing with mental health concerns. It defines the organization’s responsibilities and employees’ rights, ensuring that everyone involved understands their individual roles in fostering mental well-being.
Tips To Take Care Of Your Mental Health:
Let’s face it, we all need help at some points, so here are some of the ways you can do and take care of your mental health.
- Stay present in the moment – Practice mindfulness to reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
- Go for daily walks – Regular walks can boost your mood and improve overall mental well-being.
- Talk to someone you trust – Sharing your feelings with a trusted person can offer relief and support.
- Take breaks from social media – Disconnecting from social media helps reduce anxiety and comparison.
- Don’t hesitate to talk to a therapist or counselor – Professional help can provide guidance and effective coping strategies.
Final Thoughts:
As we mark World Mental Health Day, we must emphasize the importance of in our lives. As it affects everyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, and getting treatment demonstrates strength, not weakness. By encouraging open discussions about our mental health, we may reduce stigma and provide a safe haven for those in need. Simple activities such as remaining present, engaging in daily physical activity, and reaching out to trustworthy friends can have a major impact on it. Additionally, don’t be afraid to seek expert assistance when necessary. Remember that our mental health is equally essential as physical, and addressing it can lead to a happier, more satisfying life. Let us work together to help ourselves and each other, fostering a mental health culture.
