We love talking about mental health. Full stop.
Awareness days and weeks are a fantastic way to bring a subject to the forefront of people’s minds, workplaces and communities. It gives us an opportunity to educate, celebrate and promote really vital topics, like mental health at work.
Plenty of valuable activity happens around Mental Health Awareness Week and we love to be a part of that for many organisations that we support with talks, sessions and mental health training.
But what happens after the buzz has died down?
First, a bit about why it’s important to keep talking about mental health…
A common misconception people have is that when we say ‘mental health’ this immediately means something negative or that someone is unwell or has a mental health problem. Mental health is something we all have. It is part of our overall health and it is something we need to look after and work on, just as we do our physical health.
Breaking down stigmas
One of the reasons it is important to talk about mental health all year round is to break down societal and cultural stigmas that still exist. By being open and creating opportunities for honest conversations, we make sure it isn’t taboo and more people who may be struggling feel comfortable to reach out for help.
We know that…
- 1 in 4 people will have a mental health problem every year in the UK.
- 90% of UK employees feel unable to disclose a mental health problem to their employer.
- 75% of people with a diagnosable mental health problem receive no treatment at all.
These are worrying statistics and show why there is a real need to break down these stigmas.
How do we do this in the workplace?
Every workplace is different and holds its own unique culture, however, we have pulled together some ideas (some totally free) that you can implement that will help promote positive mental health and wellbeing.
8 Things to try in the workplace!
- Host a webinar for employees discussing the importance of mental health, why not find a guest speaker to join?
- Create a graphic and circulate to employees highlighting key crisis contacts or charities for people who might be struggling with their mental health
- Ask if any employees would feel comfortable in sharing a personal experience of mental ill-health via a blog post, e-newsletter or anonymous case study
- Create a (socially distanced) walk and talk group!
- Coffee and chat? Host a coffee morning, you can do this either in person or online, another great way to open up a conversation
- Share any current initiatives within the organisation or any potential new additions. How many of your employees know what is available to them? Does your workplace have Mental Health First Aider‘s?
- Organise a time to share highlights of the week/month in teams, a chance to recognise and congratulate to build team morale and confidence.
- Use Wellness Action Plans for employees, MIND have some fantastic templates here
We’d love to hear from you if your workplace has any great initiatives that you think we should share on this list! Pop it in the comments below.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for employees
With 1 in 5 employees experiencing moderate to high levels of stress, it is crucial to look at how you can support, educate and empower your employees with training such as Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training is designed to reduce stigma and teach practical skills that can be used every day in the workplace. It teaches people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill-health and provide help on a first aid basis.
We have a dedicated Mental Health Training Specialist to consult with you and your organisation on strategy, implementing MHFA, and all wellbeing-related policies.
Want to book a FREE 30-minute consultation?
Continue to #ConnectWithNature!
This year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Week was nature.
Find out how connecting with nature can improve our mental health and wellbeing and discover some useful tips to bring nature into your every day at work! Click here!
Remember!
However you do it, just do it!
You don’t have to be experts to talk about mental health, it’s something we all have, just as we all have physical health. So talk, listen and be open-minded.
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