Oftentimes we discount the association between work and the state of our mental health, and this is problematic.

The workplace is frequently a site of conflicts, gossip, stress, and strained interpersonal relationships. The world of work is rooted in a culture of meeting deadlines and eventually this unrealistic messaging takes a toll on one’s mental health.

In addition to the complexities and intersections concerning the workplace, there is stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health. Unfortunately, many employees do not know where to turn for mental health support and, therefore, they suffer in silence. Poor working conditions, victimisation, and other unhealthy working situations pose a serious risk to our overall quality of life and productivity.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that with 60 per cent of the global population engaged in work, urgent action is needed to ensure work prevents risks to mental health and protects and supports mental health at work. This clearly means that mental health at the workplace is a serious issue to be discussed.

World Mental Health Day takes place annually on October 10. The day is set aside to raise awareness of mental health issues and encourage efforts to support those experiencing mental health issues. It is critical for governments, employers, the organisations which represent workers and employers, and other stakeholders responsible for workers’ health and safety to work together to improve mental health at the workplace. Depression, anxiety, and panic attacks are all real-life experiences which can be very much debilitating.

Poor mental health can lead to decreased performance, absence from work, and increased staff turnover. Depression and anxiety alone result in the loss of approximately 12 billion workdays each year. Reducing workplace discrimination through awareness, training, and engagement with people living with mental health conditions creates healthier, more inclusive work environments.

History of World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day was established on October 10, 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health. Since then it has been observed every year with the aim of raising awareness in the global community about critical mental health agendas through collaboration with various partners to take action and create lasting change. Over the years, this day has gained momentum, becoming a platform for governments, organisations, and individuals to develop initiatives that focus on various aspects of mental health care.

Mental Health IS A Basic Human Right

As human beings we are all susceptible and vulnerable to mental health challenges. Although governments and employers have the primary responsibility to protect and promote mental health at work, you can take steps to support your own well-being. Learn techniques to manage stress and stay mindful of changes in your mental health. If needed, reach out for support from a trusted friend, family member, colleague, supervisor, or health professional.

Although mental health is a basic human right, the costs associated to treat mental disorders can be rather prohibitive. As a result, more can and should be done to support mental wellness.

One practical step in support of mental health comes via health insurance. In many jurisdictions, however, health insurance does not cover the cost associated with receiving counselling, and this is yet another barrier to mental wellness. Each employee should have a minimum number of paid counselling services visits per annum.

The management and care of mental health involves various stakeholders, including psychologists.

Mental health is a basic human right. Everyone, whoever and wherever they are, has a right to the highest attainable standard of mental health. This includes the right to be protected from mental health risks; the right to available, accessible, acceptable, and good quality care; and the right to liberty, independence, and inclusion in the community.

What is needed is more public-private collaboration in mental health care services. In fact, the National Standards Curriculum should rigorously interrogate the issue of mental health wellness at both the primary and the secondary levels. There is also an urgent need for the Government to revitalise community mental health services. This is especially important in this post-pandemic era.

As a society we must be proactive regarding mental wellness, and as such we should consider creating a specific category of leave days for mental health. It is also very important to acknowledge and cater to our spiritual side. Addressing mental wellness takes into consideration all aspects of our beings. Additionally, men who actively seek out mental health services are oftentimes viewed as weak and this is yet another barrier to mental wellness. Every leader and employee can play a role in promoting workplace mental health.

Changing Workplace Culture

Employers and employees must work together to change the workplace culture to one of diversity, support, and tolerance. Let us show we care about mental health and implement, where necessary, measures at the workplace to assist our fellow colleagues and indeed ourselves to cope with life’s ups and downs. Some of these measures can be as simple as being a source of social support.

Let us all try to engage in active listening with some colleagues and provide emotional support. If you are in a supervisory role, it is important for you to proactively build a psychologically safe environment, be a role model for mental health practices, and be a source of social support for those within your team.

The state of our mental health impacts our overall health.

When necessary we should encourage our colleagues to take their earned vacation leave in order to rejuvenate themselves so they can give of their best. In some cases you might need to change careers or place of work in order to restore that peace of mind which is so very important for mental wellness. Our thoughts are important in safeguarding our state of mental wellness; therefore, it is critical that the workplace be seen as healthy and conducive to enhance our mental health.

On this World Mental Health Day let us all show some empathy and compassion, especially in the workplace.

In the words of former first lady Michelle Obama, “We would never tell someone with a broken leg that they should stop wallowing and get it together. We don’t consider taking medication for an ear infection something to be ashamed of. We shouldn’t treat mental health conditions any differently.”

Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and/or gender issues. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or waykam@yahoo.com.