As a society, we’ve become better at talking about mental health, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.
Feeling comfortable enough to talk about our mental health is crucial in leading a happy life and being happy in our careers.
This World Mental Health Day, we’re looking deeper into the meaning of the day, and this year’s theme.
Let’s get talking…
What Is World Mental Health Day?
Celebrated on October 10th, World Mental Health Day encourages us to talk about mental health and exists as a reminder that mental health matters.
Having an opportunity to talk about mental health and how we’re feeling makes it easier to deal with life's inevitable ups and downs.
The theme of World Mental Health Day for 2024 is workplace mental health, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace for the benefit of people, organisations, and workplace communities.
Work can have a huge impact on our mental health, both positively and negatively:
Positively, work gives us a sense of purpose, boosts our self-worth, and provides opportunities to connect with those around us.
Negatively, work can be a source of stress and anxiety, and could contribute to developing or worsening mental health problems.
According to a research paper by Stevenson and Farmer titled ‘Thriving at Work: A Review of Mental Health’, 15% of UK workers are estimated to have an existing mental health condition.
Stats like these are crucial in working towards a positive mental environment in the workplace and you can find more on the Mental Health Foundation website.
What makes a mentally healthy workplace?
We spend a large chunk of our lives at work, which is why it’s vital to have a workplace that supports our mental health - but what does that look like?
While there are a lot of factors that go into a mentally healthy workplace, some key indicators are:
Whilst talking about mental health in the workplace has become more common over the last few years, there still remains a stigma around it, meaning there is still tonnes of work to be done.
How To Talk to Someone About Mental Health
The Mental Health Foundation offers some brilliant tips on how to talk to someone about your mental health or check in on theirs, including:
Talking About Your Mental Health
- Choose someone you trust to talk to
- Find a comfortable place to open up
Checking In On Someone
- Find a place to talk without distractions
- Listen and ask questions
- Ask how you can help them
How To Get Involved
Whilst there are countless ways to acknowledge and celebrate World Mental Health Day, one brilliant initiative suggested by The Mental Health Foundation is Tea & Talk.
This initiative offers a chance for people to get together and talk about mental health, something which 260,000 people did last year, raising funds to help the life-changing work that The Mental Health Foundation does.
If you’re looking for mental health support, you can get it from your workplace mental health first-aiders, by confiding in a friend or family member, or for more support visit The Mental Health Foundation website.