Mental Health at Work

Do you worry about disclosing that you are stressed or depressed at work. It seems, that despite improvements in attitudes towards people experiencing mental health difficulties, employers continue to discriminate and workers have been forced to leave their jobs. A MIND survey in May found that 7 in 10 who completed the survey feel their boss would not help them cope with stress. 22% also said that they had been sacked or forced out of their jobs following disclosure of mental health difficulties.

See the link to the survey at:

http://www.mind.org.uk/news/5053_workers_face_the_sack_for_admitting_they_feel_stressed

One way to tackle these issues is for employers to introduce workplace policies that promote mental well being for all staff. Do you think your workplace will support you if you are experiencing mental distress? Maybe we should all be checking our HR polices and pushing for change, where necessary.

5 a day to improve your mental health

1. Connect… With the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community. Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day.

2. Be active… Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.

3. Take notice… Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you.

4. Keep learning… Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun.

5. Give … Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, as linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you.

Government Office for Science (2008). Adults and Children: Mental Ill-Health. In: The Foresight Report Mental Capital and Wellbeing: Making the Most of Ourselves in the 21st Century. London: 22 - 23.