Today is World Mental Health Awareness day. The theme this year is workplace mental health. I work with many people where workplace stress has been an issue. This includes being victim of bullying, over work, burnout, imposture syndrome or changes in the workplace. Sometimes people need a safe space to talk about what is going on for them, sometimes they need some practical skills to manage the problems, sometimes people need to address work place traumas. Many workplaces have great occupational health departments that can offer support and guidance, some places have a buddy scheme or mental health first aiders. Some work places are not so fortunate.
Work can have a positive impact on our mental health by providing a sense of purpose, boosting our self esteem and connecting with others. However 875,000 workers were reported as suffering work related stress, anxiety or depression in 2022/2023 [1]. The world mental health website (https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/world-mental-health-day) has some great guidance on ways to support someone with their mental health at work. Ultimately keep talking, whether it is about your own mental wellbeing or talking to a colleague about their own mental health this can help. If you think you need help with your mental health and have no one to talk to, or want to talk to someone who doesn't know you there are a list of organisations on this site https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/get-help
Be as kind to yourself as you would be to someone you love.
[1] Health and Safety Executive. (2023). Health and safety at work: Summary statistics for Great Britain 2023. Available at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/assets/docs/hssh2223.pdf
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