Talking about Mental Health
Every single one of us has mental health and we will all have it to varying levels throughout our lives. Some people are unfortunate to suffer with mental illness, which is a different thing.
Mental health is the same as such things are heart health and there are ways that we can improve our mental health. However, if the individual is suffering with mental illness, they will need medical help.
Mental health problems are all too common in the workplace and it is the leading cause of sickness absence. A staggering 70 million workdays are lost
each year due to mental health problems in the UK, costing employers approximately £2.4 billion per year.
There are many things that we can do to help each other.
How can we help each other?
Awareness of mental health is increasing, but we still face a world where people with mental health problems face discrimination and can face challenges getting the help they need. Many people who experience mental health issues hide their situation as they are afraid of other people’s responses.
Fear of discrimination and feelings of shame are among the top reasons people give for not telling their colleagues about their mental health problems.
You need to create a workplace culture where people can be themselves. Make it so it is easier for people to speak about mental health concerns without fear, and easier for them to reach out for help when they need it. It is vital that
workplaces become environments where people feel safe to be themselves.
Talking about Mental Health
We can help each other firstly by being kind to one another and putting yourself in their situation. Here are some tips to help them talk or deal with their situation.
- Imagine how you would feel in your relative’s situation. They might feel sensitive, anxious, frightened, or confused.
- Remember they may feel you are ‘getting at them’. Be calm, patient, and sympathetic.
- Try to bring up the subject when you are both relaxed and have time to talk.
- Be aware that if your relative has delusions or hallucinations, for them these things are really happening.
How do you recognize a mental health problem?
Mental health problems manifest differently in different people. Here are some common changes to look for:
- Being more anxious and reacting more to situations.
- More irritable.
- Argumentative, causing them and reacting more aggressively about it.
- Less able to cope with workload and situations.
- Changes in the ability to concentrate on things.
