Taking Care of Mental Health at Work

Many of us have to work, which means we spend a lot of our time in the workplace. Going to work means earning an income, making friends, and being a productive employee. Not only can work be great for your mental health, but it’s also good for your overall well-being.

However, life occasionally throws some hard things in our way, including stress, health problems, relationship issues with loved ones, and more. All of this can be distracting and take a toll on our mental health. This is normal. There are things you can do to increase your mental and physical health at work.

What is Mental Health? 

What do we mean by mental health? Mental health covers several aspects of our mind, including emotional, behavioural, and cognitive well-being. It has to do with what you think, feel, and how you behave. Mental health, good or bad, affects all aspects of our lives each day, including our work.

Taking care of our mental health means ensuring the ability to enjoy life. It means balancing life activities, responsibilities, and efforts to maintain resilience.

When we suffer from chronic stress, depression, anxiety, and other issues, it can cause poor mental health. This can have a drastic effect on a person’s life.

Mental Health in the Workplace

According to a study by the government called Thriving at Work, there are some problems with mental well-being at work. The study found these statistics:

• 300,000 people, who deal with long-term mental health issues, lose their jobs each year
• Poor mental health in the workplace costs between £74 billion and £99 billion each year.
• About 15% of people in the workplace have symptoms of a mental health issue.

What’s more, studies have also shown a strong relationship between mental well-being and higher productivity. For example, addressing mental health issues at work can result in a 12% increase in productivity.

For these reasons, many companies are taking steps to assist employees in achieving and maintaining better mental health.

What are Mental Health Problems? 

Mental health issues can affect anyone at any time. Everyone feels stressed, down, or anxious from time to time. This is a normal part of life, and these feelings eventually pass. However, some people may experience feelings and thoughts that don’t pass, which can lead to long-term mental health problems.

Many factors play into our mental health and well-being. Poverty, genetics, trauma, illness, and more may cause mental health issues in some people. It’s important to understand that anyone can develop mental health issues at any point in life. There are also many different types of mental health issues.

How Can I Recognise a Mental Health Issue? 

You may recognise mental health issues in yourself if you experience the following symptoms:

• Feeling more tired than usual, you may make mistakes at work, have difficulty motivating yourself, and more.
• You may tend to isolate yourself from family, friends, and work colleagues.
• You may also develop a tendency to procrastinate or find it impossible to get anything done. Or just the opposite—you may become more chaotic, interrupt others when they’re talking, and more.
• You may take on more work than you’re able to manage.
• Emotional outbursts (such as anger, crying, etc.)
• Being absent from work.
• Not looking after your appearance.
• Substance abuse (alcohol, drugs, and more).

Whether you notice these symptoms in yourself or in a colleague, these are signs that it’s time to seek professional help.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health at Work

There are some things you can do to help maintain your mental health at work while improving your resilience at the same time. Self-care is an essential method to care for your mental well-being.

1). Talk About Your Feelings

Talking about your feelings can help your mental health. While it’s not easy to talk about mental health at work, it can help you when you’re having a difficult time. Remember, it’s not weak to talk about your feelings. This is one of the ways you can keep yourself healthy.

Try to find someone at work you feel comfortable with, a person who is supportive and understanding. It’s always a good idea to also consider what information to share, who to share it with, and the right time/place to share your feelings.

If you’re not able to discuss your feelings at work, then try to talk with a loved one such as a partner, friend, or another family member. Getting your feelings out in the open is key.

2). Exercise & Staying Active

Many people are hesitant to make time for regular exercise every day. However, this is a great way to increase your self-esteem and release feelings of stress, and more.

Exercising doesn’t have to mean a trip to the gym. In fact, research has shown that taking a 30-minute walk about five times a week is enough exercise to improve your mental well-being. No matter the activity you choose, try to do something every day.

If you work in an office, then be sure to take breaks away from your desk. Get up and move around about 15 minutes for each hour of sitting. What’s more, you can even take walks at lunchtime, take advantage of your company’s onsite gym, and more.

The key is to find a regular exercise or activity that you enjoy doing and that you will do regularly.

3). Watch Your Diet

What you eat on a regular basis can also have a direct impact on your mental health. If you eat junk food most of the time, chances are you won’t feel well mentally or physically. However, a healthy diet can do wonders to improve your mood and overall well-being.

What’s more, in addition to eating healthy food, it’s essential to eat regularly. And remember to keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

In addition, try to eat away from your desk. This gives you a break from stressing work problems.

4). Stay in Touch

Staying in touch with loved ones and friends is another way to improve your mental well-being. Loved ones and friends offer the support you need when times are challenging.

For challenges at work, try to work with a mentor or a small group of colleagues who can offer the support you need.

The key is to avoid loneliness and achieve a healthy balance between your work and personal life.

5).  Ask for Help

Finally, be sure to reach out for help when you need it. For example, your employer may offer a program that assists employees with their well-being. These programs are often free and confidential.

Another place to seek assistance is with your general practitioner. They can determine the type of assistance you need.

Summing It Up

Making an effort to maintain your mental health is key to staying balanced at work and at home. Remember, there’s no shame in reaching out for help. Seek assistance from loved ones or from colleagues and managers at work. And don’t hesitate to seek professional care if other methods are not working.