Mental health is increasingly receiving the awareness that it rightly deserves. As a result, workplaces are also slowly starting to adapt their environments and values in order to effectively be able to manage and offer the appropriate support that anybody might require. Being the place where most people spend the majority of their time, a workplace environment can have a major impact on our mental wellbeing. On the same note, a negative mental state will also, in turn, adversely affect the workplace. If left untreated, mental health problems could potentially get out of hand. As a result, these problems can manifest in matters such as absenteeism, burnout, and decreased productivity.
Due to the repercussions that they could potentially have on both the employee and the company itself, being able to understand, identify, treat, and prevent mental health issues has nowadays become vital.
How should we understand mental health?
As scientifically defined by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the term Mental Health refers to “our emotional, psychological, and social well-being”, which should be given as much importance as all the other aspects of our bodies.
One of the main issues with identifying and treating mental health problems, however, is the fact that unlike other physical concerns that present obvious symptoms, periods of poor mental well-being do not always portray physical and clear manifestations. A positive mental state of mind allows one to cope with various life situations. In fact, one can engage fully in relationships, and recognize the potential in oneself and others. A natural ebb and flow of emotions are perfectly healthy, which is why it can be difficult to identify when a pattern of mental distress crosses the line and becomes a “problem.”
Some statistics published by the same institution claim that to some degree, every one of us could potentially develop some kind of mental health problem, irrespective of age and gender — to give this information a bit more of a numerical outlook, an estimate of around 9.8 million Americans experienced a serious mental well-being issue back in 2015; that adds up to a massive 4.8% of all adults!
In order to explain the extent of mental health problems in the workplace, this very useful, detailed and infographic contains important statistics and information, allowing you to better understand the degree of the incidences and repercussions of the various existing illnesses.
How Can You Identify Mental Health Problems In The Workplace?
In many cases, identifying a case of mental health problems is even more difficult if you are the one who is suffering. With this in mind, it should, therefore, be remembered that being able to recognize potential mental health issues in others, helping them, or at least even encouraging them to seek help can result in a considerable impact on the person as well as the workplace environment itself. In order to be able to better identify mental health issues at the workplace, one should keep an eye open and look out for potential manifestations. This includes uncharacteristic fatigue, regular (and extensive) mistakes, isolation, procrastination, and even chaotic behavior.
As outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), poor mental health and stress can negatively affect employees in the following areas:
- Job performance and productivity
- Engagement with one’s work
- Communication with co-workers
- Physical capability and daily functioning
- Social avoidance
It’s, therefore, necessary to educate all employees about the realities of mental health problems. Employers should also highlight the best ways to identify said mental health problems. They should also highlight the solutions for treating existing conditions and preventing them where possible.
What Actions Should The Workplace Take?
Due to its unfortunate taboo nature, being able to identify, treat, or even discuss topics relating to mental health problems is becoming even harder than it ever was before. Unfortunately, as a result, people are starting to avoid speaking up whenever they feel down. This is in fear of being judged, discriminated against, or even forced to take time off of work. One of the most common triggers of mental health problems nowadays is actually a person’s colleagues and the stress of work environments. These will then continue to increase their reluctance to seek help and regretfully, exacerbates the cause of the problem itself.
With this in mind, it is therefore essential to educate all employees and managers about the reality of mental health problems. This will ensure more favorable ways of identifying them. Consequently, they will find solutions for treating existing conditions and preventing them where possible.
Educate Employees and Managers
Knowing how to identify mental health disorders and what action to take requires practical training and education on health issues. It is particularly important for managers to receive this training. This will provide them with the confidence to address mental health disorders within their team. Training management for mental health disorders can result in a lowered rate of absenteeism through early intervention. It can also result in talent retention, protection against mental health discrimination, and the creation of a healthy, happy workforce.
While there is specific training for addressing mental wellbeing issues in the workplace, other more general courses can help employees who are either suffering from mental health issues or who want to be more sensitive to their colleagues.
For example, mindfulness courses that promote concentration, creativity, well-being, and resilience can also reduce anxiety and stress in the workplace. Similarly, courses on stress and time management can help employees whose mental wellbeing issues are exacerbated by workplace stress. Finally, courses to help employees support their colleagues suffering from mental health issues also exist. Conflict management training helps maintain positive interactions within a team. Communication courses, on the other hand, can help employees communicate their concerns or issues related to mental health.
Besides education and training, the CDC outlined several ways a workplace can efficiently and successfully cope with mental health problems amongst employees. These include;
- Ensure a Supportive Culture of Understanding
- Self-Assessment Tools for Employees
- Regular Clinical Screenings from Qualified Professionals
- Comprehensive Health Insurance
- Counselling Facilities
- Seminars and Workshops
- ‘Relaxation Rooms’
Create a culture of understanding and support
Encouraging employees to openly talk about their feelings without any fear of being judged, whether with a trusted colleague or in one-on-one meetings with a manager, turns the vocalization of mental health from a taboo into a goal! This will result in the employee feeling listened to and understood. This will then make the work environment a place that could potentially help support and combat the ill-effects of mental health problems. All big movements have to start somewhere. In fact, a simple “how are you feeling today?” can have a greater impact than you know. This, in turn, can end up establishing a solid and healthy channel for communication.
In order to be able to care for others, one must begin by taking care of themselves. If you’re feeling particularly stressed or downcast, then it is essential to take it easy and listen to what your body is trying to tell you. Try participating in a fun activity, chatting with friends or family. Also, simply taking a mental health off-day is another you can pamper your mind. One will then have a healthier outlook on life.
Remember: always be kind to yourself and others. You’ll never know what someone might be going through!
Who is the author?
Keely Witherow and Kevin Agius are content editors for the education and professional development portals findcourses.co.uk and educations.com. They specialize in topics related to professional development and employee well-being.
References
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
