Mental Health in the Workplace
As an employer, you want your employees to be as productive and well-rounded as possible. Unfortunately, poor mental health can erode this potential.
WHO has released new guidelines on mental health at work to help employers address this problem. They recommend better ways of supporting workers with mental health conditions and propose interventions to support their return to work.
Stress
Stress is a normal reaction to situations that may be difficult or uncomfortable. It triggers the body’s “fight-or-flight” response, which is designed to increase alertness and help you react quickly to life-threatening situations.
The amount of stress you experience can have a big impact on your mental health and how you feel. Some people are more sensitive to stress than others, and how you react will affect your ability to cope.
Stress can also be a healthy part of life when it motivates you to accomplish goals or overcome challenges. It can also help you build confidence, problem-solve, reshape your priorities, and appreciate life more.
Depression
Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide. It has a negative impact on employees’ physical and mental health and can have a significant impact on their work performance, including presenteeism and absenteeism.
It can also have a negative effect on the workplace climate. According to research by Leigh Steere, co-founder of Managing People Better LLC, the main causes of depression include:
Identifying symptoms like sadness, fatigue, irritability and lack of motivation can help employees get the help they need. Employers can also support employees who are experiencing depression with employee assistance programs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects about 60 percent of employees. It can make it difficult to focus and meet deadlines, and even affect a person’s personal relationships with co-workers and clients.
Managing anxiety can be challenging, but there are plenty of ways you can work to reduce stress at the workplace.
One time-tested strategy is to share your concerns with a trusted confidant, like a professional peer or a lean on outside of the office. Getting the support you need can help you deal with anxiety on the job, and it will also keep your stress levels down in general.
Another option is to seek treatment from a mental health professional, which may include therapy or medication. In-person or online sessions with a therapist can help you learn how to recognize and challenge the actions and thinking patterns that cause you to feel anxious.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a chronic illness that can cause mood swings. It’s characterized by highs and lows that last days or even months.
During a manic phase, people with bipolar disorder often have lots of energy, talk rapidly and express unrealistic ideas. They may also spend large amounts of money on things they can’t afford.
In the depressive phase, people with bipolar disorder may feel sad or down, have irritability and lose interest in their favorite activities. They may also think about suicide.
Fortunately, the good news is that you can achieve and maintain healthy bipolar moods through treatment with mental health professionals. The best advice is to get help as soon as possible so you can manage your symptoms.
Schizophrenia
People with schizophrenia often have trouble finding and keeping a job. This is because they may have psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions.
This can interfere with the person’s ability to do their work and their relationships. It can also affect their productivity and make them less likely to get ahead in their career.
Fortunately, there are treatments for schizophrenia that can help people lead better lives. These include medications, brain stimulation therapies and psychosocial therapies.
