Are we doing enough to tackle mental health in the workplace?
10th Oct, 2017
Did you know that 5.9 out of 100 people will suffer from generalised anxiety disorder? Did you know that 3.3 people out of 100 will experience depression? 7.8 people out of 100 will experience mixed anxiety and depression. If you’re reading this, you may well have experienced one or both and, as you may well know, your mental health issues do not slow down for your job. In fact, for many people going to work actually makes depression and anxiety worse.
Why is this? Is it because the sufferer dislikes their job? Possibly, but it’s likely that the words ‘I’m fine’ have more to do with it. When we’re at work, we are out of our comfort zone, and therefore feel we need to hide our worries, panic attacks and anxious thoughts. We’re still dealing with a wide-spread stigma when it comes to mental health problems so admitting them at work is scary. It’s far easier just to say ‘I’m fine’ until we’re home and able to feel again openly.
In this day and age, should we still be battling with society for something that so many of us regularly experience? The simple answer is no; we shouldn’t. So, what can we do about it?
Mind is a charity dedicated to improving mental health in the UK. They have come up with a range of top tips for staying well at work.
Mental health is equally as important as your physical health, and yet telling employers about a mental health related problem is much harder than talking about something physical. Maybe that’s because physical problems can be seen and therefore understood, or maybe it’s because we still haven’t let go of that stigma attached to diseases of the mind. If you’re struggling to tell your employer about your mental health issues, read Mind’s support page here.
What is Your World doing to tackle mental health in the workplace?
Your World implements a number of measures to ensure a healthier, happier working environment for our staff. We actively encourage a full hour for lunch, providing a range of break-out areas for employees to relax and escape. We employ a dedicated HR Team who can set up confidential meetings with those who need to talk. We have recently introduced two additional resources for staff to utilise: Jonathan Dicker, a Biodynamic Psychotherapist and Charles Ledsam, a Life Coach. Both professionals are available to Your World staff free of charge.
Who can you contact for advice on mental health?
SupportLine Telephone Helpline: 01708 765200 (Helpline)
email info@supportline.org.uk
Action on Depression (Scotland):
Association for Post Natal Illness: 020 7386 0868
Aware Defeat Depression: 08451 202961 (N.Ireland)
Bipolar UK: 0333 323 3880
CALL Community Advice and Listening Line (Wales): 0800 132737
Childline: 0800 1111
Mind (National Association for Mental Health): 0300 123 3393
Muslim Youth Helpline: 0808 808 2008 (Area served London)
Samaritans: Helpline: 116 123 (free of charge from a landline or mobile)
