It is very important to think about mental health at work. This includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps us determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
During our lives, we will all experience some form of mental health problem, no matter how big or small. It can affect your thinking, mood, and behaviour. Many factors can contribute:
- Life experience, such as trauma or abuse.
- Family History – if someone in your family has suffered from Mental Health problems
- Biological – such as genes or chemistry (yes, some people, unfortunately, are just genetically more likely to experience mental health problems)
Common Work-Related Risk factors
- Pressure to deliver under time restraints
- Not feeling supported within your work environment
- Being given tasks you are not sure you can complete/imposter syndrome
- Feeling as though you can’t say no to a task you could be given even when you might already be swamped with work
- Needing further training/support, but not getting it.
- Workplace fallouts, arguments, or tension
- Problems at home ( we all try to leave our home life at the door, but for most of us, that just isn’t possible ) and not feeling as though you have anyone to speak to about it.
- Not being understood.
Why is openly talking about mental health important?
Mental health is most often compacted into small problems that we don’t talk about. These are likely to be thoughts or issues that can be supported or resolved through opening up to someone and having a person there to help rationalise what is going on in our heads. I’m not talking about someone giving the token ‘you, ok?’ and then not really being interested. I mean, someone you know will try and understand even if what you are telling them doesn’t seem to make any sense.
Mental health has carried a stigma for far too long – as a kid, I received harsh comments. What they didn’t realise was the person they were talking about was someone who suffered from depression & anxiety. They were not “crazy” or “weird”; they were struggling.
Talking to people helps to unload the anguish and makes people feel comfortable and secure. It is human nature to share experiences and feelings, and when we feel as though we can’t do this, instantly, that causes a problem. It has been scientifically proven that those who are supported through open conversation early during a mental health episode are far more likely to fully recover than those who don’t.
I have suffered with both depression and anxiety; I felt completely alone, and as though no-one could understand because I didn’t understand myself. I could be standing in a room full of people and feel completely alone. Through talking and being open with those around me that cared, I began to bring things back into focus and not feel so alone.
Being open and having good conversations about mental health in the workplace is so important to recovery.
Creating a Healthy Workplace
I am striving to create an open and knowledgeable workplace regarding mental health in the workplace.
We currently have a notice board dedicated to mental health support and phone numbers for people who may not yet feel comfortable talking to someone within the office. I also include information that is changed weekly. This contains information on how to maintain positive mental health and exercises we can all do daily during work to help with different types of mental health struggles.
I am always available to talk privately with any member of staff who may need support. The information shared is kept confidential unless I believe the person is an immediate danger to themselves or those around them.
I can provide further support, guidance and crisis contacts and refer them to doctors or therapists if necessary.
Our managing director is very open when supporting those who are struggling. Whether that is through a change in working style, or taking the load off for a period of time. He welcomes new information regarding mental health at work and how we can continue to support and evolve.
Perfect Sense as a company is doing all it can to become a supportive and inclusive place of work. We all have knowledge of recognising the early signs of possible mental health issues.
Supporting people with signs of mental health at work
Supporting people with signs of mental health at work is never a one solution answer. Everyone is different, and everyone responds to things differently, which is why it is important to understand mental health.
Most of the time, people just want someone to talk to, to unload on, to have a cry or a shout. However, noticing signs of someone struggling is important. If you see your friend/colleague acting differently to the norm, reach out. They may tell you everything is ok.. Ask again in a different way; let them know you are there.
You will find some people just spill all their issues; others may want to do it in a more private setting where other people can’t hear them.
Creating an open dialog within the workplace will allow those struggling to feel more confident in speaking up. You can ask if they want to get some fresh air, share dinner together and have a chat.
Share your experiences with them, let the person know they aren’t ever alone, and people do understand.
Support comes in all shapes and sizes, but if you keep trying, you’ll get to the right form of support soon enough.
In house mental health training and support
Perfect Sense and everyone who works there have been really supportive on my mental health journey, I expressed to our MD Gary, that I would like to get a true understanding of how to support and guide others if they find themselves struggling.
Straight away he agreed, and within 2/3 weeks I was on a course to become a Mental Health Champion which encompassed first aid, support, suicide prevention, crisis situations and understanding of the subject.
I will be looking to continue this journey and complete more courses to further my knowledge and understanding. If I could help just one person, the training was more than worth it.
Within the office, we all understand that we will get as much support as we need for as little or as much time as is necessary. Even if everyone is really busy, nobody will turn you away if you need to offload and have a chat about how you’re feeling.
I am proud to say that Perfect Sense continues to support and uplift colleagues, through every trouble, issue, or worry they may have. Our MD, Management and colleagues are open and happy to learn about mental health and strive to support all of us! – Happy Mental Health Awareness Week!
