World Mental Health Day: Prioritizing Mental Well-Being in a Changing World
World Mental Health Day: Prioritizing Mental Well-Being in a Changing World
World Mental Health day is an international holiday celebrated every year on October 10th to raise global awareness on mental health and combat social stigma. At Tree of Life Counseling Center, we recognize that mental health is not just the absence of mental illness, but also the cornerstone of well-being. This year’s theme “Mental Health at Work” highlights a cause that is at the core of our mission.
In today’s fast-paced world, it has become increasingly difficult to balance work demands with personal well-being. A January 2024 survey conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness found that 1 in 3 respondents said their mental health has suffered because of work in the last year. Opening up a dialogue about mental health in the workplace is the first step to making mental health care a priority in every workplace.
What is mental health?
Mental health is a broad term that refers to the current state of an individual's well being including the emotional, behavioral, psychological, and social aspects. Similar to physical health, the state of one’s mental health can impact their ability to cope with stressors, form healthy relationships, and maintain an overall sense of happiness and wellbeing.
Everyone is bound to experience challenges with their mental health at some point in their lives. Mental health is not just the absence of mental illness, but also includes the ability to adapt to life's challenges, maintain healthy relationships, and make sound judgments. As a result, it is essential to prioritize mental health just as we do our physical health, as both are interconnected and play a vital role in our overall wellness.
How does work impact employee mental health?
Work is a significant part of life for a large portion of the population. While it can positively serve as a source of purpose, growth, and social connection, it can also lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout. Whether it is pressure to meet specific deadlines, job insecurity, or strained workplace relationships, work-related stress is a common reality for many. Some of the most common work related stressors include:
Excessive workloads
Long hours
Lack of opportunities
Low salaries
Micromanagement
Unclear performance expectations
Lack of social support or resources
How can I create a mentally healthy workplace?
Just as with physical health, there are preventative strategies to stay on top of your mental health and foster a resilient mindset in yourself and your employees. It is important to note that these strategies are not treatments for mental illnesses, but rather healthy behaviors that, when implemented properly, are associated with improved mental health in the general population. When working to create a mentally healthy workplace it is important to consider environments where leadership encourages the following:
Open Communication: Employees are encouraged to talk about mental health without fear of retaliation or stigma. Leadership normalizes conversations about stress, burnout, and emotional well-being.
Work-Life Balance: There are clear expectations and boundaries set for working hours. Employees may be offered flexible working hours or remote work options to help them manage their personal lives while meeting professional expectations.
Training & Support: Managers are trained to recognize the signs of mental health issues and how to best support their team members. Mental health education is promoted for all employees to foster an environment of empathy and understanding.
Healthy Leadership: Leadership models healthy behaviors including boundary setting and seeking professional support, when necessary. When supervisors and managers prioritize their mental health, it sets the tone for the rest of the organization.
Know Your Resources: Programs discussing mental health education and resources are made readily available to all employees. Options for accessing external support are widely-known and accessible.
While it is not always feasible to control how leadership chooses to run a business, it is important for employees to seek out healthy work environments to support their mental and physical well-being. This World Mental Health Day, Tree of Life Counseling Center reminds you that a healthy workplace should not be a luxury, but rather a necessity.
When should I see a professional?
If you or a loved one are experiencing mental health challenges that cannot be managed on your own or are interfering with your daily life, it may be time to consult a mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychiatric nurse practitioner.
About Tree of Life Counseling Center
At Tree of Life Counseling Center in Princeton, NJ and Freehold, NJ, we have an experienced team of 50+ clinicians to help support you, and your family, through whatever you may be facing. Schedule an appointment today by calling 732-393-8391 or filling out an online form at https://www.treeoflifecc.org/start-today.
