“Mental health in the workplace”
Introduction: World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide. This year we come together to celebrate World Mental Health Day for the 25th time! World Federation for Mental Health founded the awareness day in 1992 and since then people all over the world are holding events, making announcements and celebrating World Mental Health Day.
Mental Health in the Workplace: During our adult lives, a large proportion of our time is spent at work. Our experience in the workplace is one of the factors determining our overall wellbeing. Employers and managers who put in place workplace initiatives to promote mental health and to support employees who have mental disorders see gains not only in the health of their employees but also in their productivity at work. A negative working environment, on the other hand, may lead to physical and mental health problems, harmful use of substances or alcohol, absenteeism and lost productivity. Depression and anxiety disorders are common mental disorders that have an impact on our ability to work, and to work productively. Globally, more than 300 million people suffer from depression, the leading cause of disability. More than 260 million are living with anxiety disorders. Many of these people live with both. A recent World Health Organization (WHO) led study estimates that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy every year in lost productivity. Mental health in the workplace is the theme of World Mental Health Day 2017.Mental health is a state of wellbeing that is characterised by feeling well, having fulfilling relationship, as well as having ability to cope-mental health influences how people think, communicate, learn and grow. Perceived wellbeing strengthens resilience and self-esteem. These are the ingredients for successful involvement in the community, in society, in professional life and in relationships. Mental health is essential for all individuals as it enables them to realize their full potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and contribute to their communities. However, mental illnesses are common worldwide causing immense suffering to the millions affected and leaving many jobless and homeless. Hence, it is imperative that individuals be aware of issues about mental health in the workplace and take steps to maintain good mental hygiene. Promoting good mental health in the workplace is, therefore, key to the growth of an organization.It is toward this same end that this day is being celebrated in the world today so as to provide a platform for academicians, clinicians, and the work force to come together and address issues relating to mental health in the workplace and also to chalk out ways to promote wellbeing of individuals at the work settings.
The world right now is in the middle of a health crisis. It’s estimated almost half of the population suffers from depression at some stage throughout their life. Rather than join the queue, it’s important we learn why we get down and then how we can change it. Because, we create our own negative feelings and we can also ensure that we turn our lives around and be a positive change for others. Let us value ourselves enough to take the time every single day to work on us. To engage in something that will ensure, we are positive influence on the world.
