It is no secret that there are numerous mental health crises happening right now. The United States Surgeon General recently announced a “loneliness” epidemic, and that is not even mentioning the rising rates of anxiety, stress, and other problems caused by a variety of issues. Working a job can be a leading cause of stress in people’s lives, and that is why it is vitally important for caring for your mental health at work.
Understanding Mental Health
The term mental health can encapsulate a variety of things, including thoughts, feelings, and our ability to navigate the natural rollercoaster of life. A common misconception is that only “troubled” people have these problems. However, the truth of the matter is that we all have mental health, and it is good mental health which lets us experience things like purpose, energy, and resilience against the challenges of life.
Like our physical health, which can be improved with things like eating right, exercising, and sunlight, mental health has some of the same solutions for improvement. When we can improve our physical or mental health, we can accomplish more and feel better while doing it. It is no secret that mental health fluctuates. Challenges to mental health occur when the inability to cope, due to any number of reasons, comes about.
What Are Mental Health Problems?
In life, it is common to experience challenges like stress, sadness, or fear. Everyone has these problems at some point. However, when these feelings persist and interfere with daily life, they could develop into mental health issues. These include anxiety and depression. For some individuals, they may face continuing challenges that entail long-term support.
There is recent research to indicate the fact that many people experience these mental health problems. In England, it is estimated that 1-in-6 people display symptoms of mental health issues on a weekly basis.
Mental health problems sometimes have severe consequences, including an impact on productivity. It’s important to understand that mental health issues vary greatly from person to person.
At work, signs of mental health issues can include fatigue, frequent mistakes, lack of motivation, poor time management, or sudden mood shifts. Colleagues may appear tired, withdrawn, or overly active.
Looking After Your Mental Health at Work
Below is a brief, non-exhaustive list of ways to potentially improve your mental health. We can all find ways to better ourselves, and it should be encouraged to do so.
- Talk About Your Feelings: Having open discussions, including about mental health, are crucial for maintaining well-being.
- Maintain Relationships: Strong social connections are key to mental health. This may be in reference to friends and family, but coworkers, who you spend a lot of time with day-to-day, can also make an impact on your health.
- Ask for Help: Utilize available resources like Employee Assistance Programs and seek medical support if needed.
- Take Breaks: Regular breaks and time off are important for mental recovery. Most employers pay for you to take two 15-minute, non consecutive breaks, not to mention your legally protected lunch break. Be sure to use them!
- Accept Yourself: Embrace your uniqueness and focus on your strengths.
- Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness helps with stress management and mental clarity.
- Care for Others: Helping others can improve your own mental health and strengthen relationships.
Supporting Colleagues
Discussing mental health concerns can be daunting, but it is essential to wellbeing. First, ask a colleague how they are doing. Do this with genuine concern. Make sure all conversations such as this are private and conducted in a supportive environment. This is to ensure their privacy. Actively listen to what is shared, but also, do not push for more information. Always try to provide appropriate responses. When appropriate, offer practical support, and if needed, direct them to professional resources. If the practical support is not what’s needed, nor are they interested in it, again, to not push it with them. They are still autonomous and deserving of respect.
Supporting Individuals with Ongoing Mental Health Issues
Improving one’s mental health problems can involve ongoing support. Be patient and understanding, and don’t make assumptions. You may not even know what you need, much less what someone else might need.
Talk to your manager(s). It is important to handle absences sensitively and support a smooth transitions to and from work. Phased returns may be beneficial, and request reasonable adjustments as needed and protected under the law.
By taking some time with these tips, you will have an arsenal at your hands for caring for your mental health at work. As it so happens, you may also be able to help someone else, too.
