Embracing Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week is a pivotal time for us to reflect on our mental wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around us, particularly in our workplaces. It’s an opportunity to break the silence and dispel the stigma, promoting a culture of understanding and support for mental health issues within the professional environment. Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing, influencing our thoughts, feelings, and actions in daily life. Maintaining good mental health is crucial for handling stress, fostering relationships, and making informed choices, directly impacting productivity and job satisfaction.
Recognising the importance of awareness is the first step toward change. Many employees with mental health conditions encounter stigma and discrimination, which can hinder them from seeking help. Increasing awareness can cultivate a more supportive and informed workplace community. There are many ways in which organisations can help promote a supportive workplace culture and make a meaningful impact, such as:
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- Training: Provide training sessions about various mental health conditions and their symptoms, such as our Mental Health Awareness and Wellbeing & Mental Health Self-care, courses which equip employees to identify people experiencing distress, assist them, and gain confidence in providing them with appropriate services and promoting good mental health in the workplace.
- Sharing personal stories: Encouraging employees to open up about their experiences can break down the barriers of stigma and create a more understanding and supportive workplace environment.
- Promote Self-Care Practices: Advocating for mindfulness, exercise, healthy eating, and other self-care practices within the workplace empowers employees to take control of their mental health. Wellbeing days, sharing tips and resources for managing stress and maintaining mental wellness, reinforcing the message that their mental health matters.
- Occupational Health: Explore additional services such as manager and self-referral counselling.
- Maintaining Your Mental Health as an Employee: Maintaining your mental health is essential for professional success. You can achieve this by nurturing strong relationships with colleagues, exercising regularly to enhance your mood and alleviate stress, prioritising sleep to improve your overall well-being, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in activities like meditation or yoga to centre yourself and reduce anxiety.
- Training: Provide training sessions about various mental health conditions and their symptoms, such as our Mental Health Awareness and Wellbeing & Mental Health Self-care, courses which equip employees to identify people experiencing distress, assist them, and gain confidence in providing them with appropriate services and promoting good mental health in the workplace.
Let’s use this Mental Health Awareness Week to start conversations and spread awareness within our workplaces. By creating a more compassionate and understanding work environment, we can ensure that mental health is recognised as a vital component of overall employee health. Remember, mental health is health, and caring for our minds is just as important as taking care of our bodies.
Lisa, OHN
Genesis OHS
