The World Health Organisation recognises today as an opportunity to spread awareness about mental health.
One in four people are affected by a mental illness according to the NHS.
The number of people coming forward seems to have increased in recent years suggesting that mental illness, including anxiety and depression, is becoming easier to talk about. Prince William recently opened up on the subject in relation to his late mother Princess Diana, which is said to have encouraged others to come forward.
However, although more people seem to be coming forward, assumed by the doubling of anti–depressants dispensed since 2006 from 31m to over 64m, the fourth highest number for any type of drug, a clear picture is painted, we all need to address this situation.
This year’s global awareness day focuses on wellbeing in the workplace.
Each year millions of us are impacted by mental illness, with new data revealing that one in three work sickness notes handed out by GPs are now for mental health as noted in the Telegraph.
In 2015 See Change noted that 57% of Irish people hid their mental health issues in the workplace over fears it would have a negative impact on their job and career prospects.
A survey by charity Business in the Community, showed that 60% of employees experience symptoms of poor mental health related to work in the UK, but fewer than one in four managers had received any training on dealing with these issues.
Even more worrying is that although 72% of survey respondents said they received a positive or neutral reaction, 15% said they faced disciplinary proceedings as a result of opening up. One in 10 people said they had been sacked, validating the fears of some Irish people.
Spread understanding in the workplace
Watch the animated video by Mental Health First Aid England (MFHA) in the Huffington Post to learn more about how to support someone who may be experiencing a mental illness.
If you know someone experiencing mental health issues, there are plenty of ways to help. You can refer them to an organisation for advice such as MFHA. They can also get in touch with the Trade Union Congress, who have represented people in the workplace.
We encourage people in the workplace to raise awareness about mental health through their internal communications, like the intranet, posters on the notice board, or emails promoting wellbeing events.
Managers in workplaces can also help those experiencing a mental illness by allowing some flexibility, for example if their employee needs to attend a counselling session on a weekly basis, perhaps their employee can start and finish their work day a little later. They can also organise free or subsidised wellbeing events in the workplace or promote external events.
Check out the toolkit produced by the MHFA for promoting wellbeing in the workplace.
Compassion, sensitivity and kindness can go a long way.
Upcoming health events
12th October 3:30 to 4pm: How to Keep A Healthy Mind
We’ve teamed up with Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA) to deliver a Facebook live session on 12th October on How to Keep A Healthy Mind. Share the news and tune in to keep up the momentum of World Mental Health Day.
Young people aged 16–24 were more likely to report suicidal thoughts than any other age group, with women in this age group reporting the highest levels of suicidal thoughts than any other group.
18th October 1:30 to 4:30pm: Health and Identity Discussion of Irish People in Britain
Irish in Britain invites you to an information and development event hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). Key speakers include:
- Dr Jayati Das–Munshi, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Kings College London – speaking about the health of the second generation Irish in Britain
- Professor Bronwen Walter, emerita Professor of Irish Diaspora Studies, Anglia Ruskin University speaking on the identity of the second generation Irish in Britain