Happy World Mental Health Day. World Mental Health Day was created by the World Health Organisation to raise awareness and advocacy of mental health around the world. For many of us, the majority of our day is spent at work. This can mean that our workplace may have a greater impact on our mental health than we realise. It’s important that positive mental health in the workplace is recognised as a necessity, rather than a luxury. A workplace environment where a positive mental health mindset is encouraged and promoted is an environment where employees feel supported in their work and are able to achieve their best. In order to support and encourage positive mental health in the workplace, it’s vital to understand what exactly mental health is.
According to the World Health Organisation, mental health is: “a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.” Essentially, mental health is our own personal state of well-being and how each of us cope with everyday stresses, how we work productively, and how we reach our full potential. The fundamental building blocks for a healthy lifestyle are how our physical health, social well-being, and mental health fit together. It’s important to recognise that mental health is individualistic and looks different for different people.
Why is being mentally healthy important? A healthy mental mindset allows for people to cope with the daily challenges of everyday life, as well as potential setbacks that may happen. Additionally, a healthy mental mindset gives people the ability to recognise, express, and use emotions, whilst empathising with others. The ability to regulate and express emotions in a healthy way supports us in our work roles, how we manage stress, and improve our resilience. Essentially, it can allow us the opportunity to achieve our highest potential at home and at work.
Some suggestions for promoting a healthy mental health environment in the workplace includes stress management education sessions, mental health programs, or mental health helplines that provide counselling for specific needs and interests regarding your mental health. When you feel lost in your work, or feel frustrated, it’s important to step away and take a mental health break to rebuild your healthy mindset. Additionally, here are few strategies you can use to promote your healthy mental mindset when you’re at work:
- Take advantage of learning new skills and obtain support through work-sponsored programs and activities.
- Reduce the stigma of mental health by sharing your own experiences with other colleagues, if you believe it is appropriate, and share what it’s like to have a healthy mindset in the workplace.
- Learn and practice coping skills and mechanisms that will help you with your daily stresses at work and at home, such as deep breathing techniques, talking to a colleague you trust, or focusing on one task at a time.
- On your lunch or tea breaks, practice your own self-care routine, such as listening to a positive podcast, meditating, or going for a short walk.
- Without a healthy body, it can be challenging to take care of a healthy mind. Eat healthy meals, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep to set yourself up for a healthy mind and body.
- Connect with a colleague you trust at work (as work relationships will aid in preventing workplace isolation and loneliness).
Work-related stress is a major dilemma that can greatly affect your physical and mental health. By trying a few of the strategies, you can help reduce stress levels, and create a healthy and positive mental health mindset. Awareness of positive mental health is the first step to supporting a healthy work environment. When we have a greater understanding of mental health and all it entails, techniques for reducing stress, and forming a support system for each other, the workplace can become a positive mental health environment for all.
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