Every year, on 10th October, people around the world come together to observe World Mental Health Day. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health and wellbeing in our lives. It's a day to raise awareness, break down stigmas, and encourage individuals to seek help and support when needed.
To find out more about this global initiative, visit:-
In this blog, we will look into the significance of World Mental Health Day in the workplace and explore ways to prioritise mental health in our daily lives.
Mental health is an integral part of our overall wellbeing. It encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. Good mental health allows us to handle stress, build meaningful relationships, work productively, and make healthy choices. When mental health issues are left unaddressed, they can have a profound impact on our lives, affecting everything from our physical health to our ability to function in society.
One in Four of us will experience mental health difficulties and yet, so often, people suffer in silence. One of the primary goals of World Mental Health Day is to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues, the stigma and discrimination that often prevent individuals from speaking up and seeking help when they need it most. It can lead to feelings of shame and isolation, which only exacerbate mental health conditions. Breaking the stigma involves initiating and fostering open conversations around mental health. It's about treating mental health concerns with the same level of empathy and understanding as physical health issues. When a workplace has a non-judgmental and supportive culture, employees feel empowered to reach out for help and share their experiences. Starting these conversations doesn’t have to feel difficult!
One in Six employees are affected by anxiety, depression or unmanageable stress. Both the financial cost and human cost, of failing to support psychological wellbeing in the workplace is huge. Workers wanted to feel valued and supported - 53% of employees requested more mental health support from their employer and 80% viewed wellbeing as either important or very important for their organisation’s success. Educated and informed workplaces are better able to recognise the signs and symptoms when a colleague is struggling and signpost individuals to get the help they need to thrive in life and at work. By learning more about mental health and available treatment options, we can have a better understanding of the challenges people face and offer our help, with compassion.
While World Mental Health Day is a reminder to support those who may be struggling, it also encourages us to prioritise our own mental wellbeing. Self-care is not selfish; it's necessary for maintaining good mental health. Here are some self-care practices that can help:
Practice mindfulness: Engage in activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to stay grounded and reduce stress.
Stay connected: Build and maintain strong social connections with friends and family, as they provide emotional support during difficult times.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep to support your mental health. Build these things into your daily life as positive habits and you will feel mentally nourished.
Seek professional help: If you're struggling with your mental health, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. They can provide valuable guidance and treatment options.
Set boundaries: Learn to say no when necessary to prevent burnout and prioritise your mental wellbeing.
Practice Compassion: By regularly practicing compassion and acceptance towards yourself and others, you build a strong sense of empathy which will enable a kinder and more supportive inner monologue.
World Mental Health Day is not a one off work event, but rather it can act as a catalyst for ongoing conversations and actions, that prioritise the improvement of mental health in the workplace. Together, we can contribute to a world where mental health is treated with the same importance, understanding and compassion as a physical health condition.
At Enhancing Minds, it is our mission that all employees are able to access better mental health support in the workplace, so we hope all workplaces will join us in celebrating and reflecting on what we can all do to practice self-care and support others around us on World Mental Health Day.
Please get in touch to learn more about what Enhancing Minds can offer your workplace this World Mental Health Day.
Enhancing Minds - wellbeing training for workplaces
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