As such, the need to ensure that support services are readily available is extremely important in workplaces as they provide support to those who struggle with their mental health due to work-related concerns or in general. To find out more about the different steps that workplaces can take to support the mental health care and well-being of employees, do stick around as we explore some options in this article.
What are some symptoms of mental illnesses?
Mental illnesses vary based on a range of factors and can worsen as we age if they are left untreated. Individuals who suffer from mental illnesses may find themselves experiencing some of these symptoms:
- Overwhelming emotion of sadness or gloom
- A reduced ability to focus and respond
- Severe mood shifts
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Troubles coping with stress and anxiety
- Changes in sleeping habits or patterns
If we leave these symptoms untreated, they can be detrimental to our mental well-being and can affect our ability to perform our best at work, interfering in our professional and personal lives.
What is mental health care in the workforce?
Although mental health awareness plans have been around in Australia since the 1950s, the government recognises the increasing need for mental healthcare and has now taken steps to ensure that it is accessible to all individuals in the country’s working force. This includes services conducted by psychologists, neurologists and social workers, among others.
Why is mental health care important in the workforce?
We spend most of our time at work. So naturally, where we work is important as it’s tied to our mental health. It’s crucial we have the resources and support available to take care of and manage our feelings when things get hard or stressful in the workplace. By the time we get back from work, it can be exhausting to think about anything else but the rest that we need to get through the next day. Mental health care is essential in our everyday lives, and especially for those in the workforce for these non-exhaustive reasons:
Mental health impacts everyone
No stress is too small. Stress and anxiety are symptoms that impact most individuals in at least one stage of their lives and can improve or deteriorate through different life stages. This explains why it is vital to ensure you are taking the necessary steps to keep track of your mental health.
The law says so
When an individual faces a mental illness or disorder, it can affect their thoughts, feelings and behavior. It is a work health safety requirement in Australia to ensure that the workplace is free from danger and that it does not worsen existing conditions. Employers are legally obligated to ensure that their employees are in the pink of health and that mental health resources are readily available whenever needed.
While this is the case for employers, employees also have a legal obligation to ensure that the workplace is safe by being aware of their mental health and that they stay compliant with reasonable instructions in regard to their mental health and safety.
It improves workplace performance
When employees feel like their mental health is in good condition, it creates a safe and healthy environment for them to correctly and effectively carry out their job duties, which can boost productivity and performance for the business.
How can mental health care be practised in the workforce?
o ensure that mental health care is more accessible to all employees in the workforce, here are some tools that you can consider:
Use mood-tracking programs
myCompass is a 7-week mood-tracking program that offers interactive learning activities for you so you are better able to monitor your emotions, thoughts and behaviours in four aspects – anxiety, depression, stress and sleep. It is designed by researchers at Black Dog Institute Australia to improve your symptoms and get into a more fit mental health shape.
To ensure that workplaces are a safe space for employees, employers could encourage employees to sign up for this program and organise weekly sit-down sessions where employees are able to express and share how they have been feeling the past week with what myCompass has to say regarding their monitored emotions.
Have Access to Counselling Services
Counselling helps individuals address their current concerns or problems and revisit past issues that have not been solved in a positive manner. It can be an educational experience for those who are struggling and is also a great method to help people learn to accept themselves, or parts of themselves. By undergoing counselling sessions, you are exposed to various ways of thinking which can help with problem solving in the workplace.
Workplaces could encourage employees to access counselling services by qualified professionals who have completed a Masters of Counselling or related psychology courses online by providing dedicated time off and mental health days to their employees. This would help employees pinpoint and address the root causes of thoughts, emotions and behaviours they may be struggling with.
Get in touch with a mental health coach
Working with a mental health coach reaps a number of benefits, some of which can help you cope with your stresses and anxiety better. To ensure that employees feel confident about themselves, employers could grant employees paid leave or hours to undergo mental health coaching sessions.
NewAccess, a coaching service developed by Beyond Blue is a guided 6-session program to equip you with better ability to get through your daily troubles. If you are worried about workplace discrimination or other people finding out, fret not as this service is strictly confidential.
Reach out to help hotlines
Everyday stresses such as finances and sleeping patterns are valid and can take a toll on your mental health. With around-the-clock availability, help hotlines can provide support when you are experiencing distressing situations. Do not be afraid to reach out to these hotlines as those on the other end of the line are trained professionals that can refer you to get better support and the help that you need. Workplaces could do their part by spurring action and encouraging employees to get in touch with these help hotlines.
Start making mental health care more accessible in the workforce today
Our mental health is a vital part of our well-being in the workforce, which is why it is important to always ensure that you get the necessary support that you need to improve your quality of life – both professionally and personally.
Shaping your mental health can be a rewarding experience, especially when you have the right tools and workplace support accessible to you. If you are in need of accessible resources, do check out the programs listed in the article above. For employers to be supportive of their employees’ mental health, they should look to facilitate mood-tracking programs, counselling services, mental health coaching and help hotlines. This way, the workplace can be a safer and healthier place for employees to carry out their job duties and boost productivity.
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