Mental Health
Health
Legal Stuff & Information
Ensuring the health and safety of our workforce is not only a legal obligation under the Health and Safety at Work Act but also a moral imperative. This encompasses not just physical safety but also mental well-being. Given the collaborative nature of our work environment, we must support each other through any struggles that may arise.
Recognising the signs of mental health challenges is a crucial step towards providing adequate support. While sudden shifts in behaviour may catch our attention quickly, more gradual changes may go unnoticed for a significant period. Mental health issues often manifest through both psychological and physical alterations.
Similarly, physical changes such as appetite, sleep patterns, or unexplained aches and pains may also indicate underlying mental health concerns.
Psychological changes may include shifts in mood, cognition, or interpersonal interactions. These could manifest as increased irritability, withdrawal from social activities, or noticeable changes in attitude.
By familiarising ourselves with these warning signs, we can proactively address mental health challenges within our workforce. This fosters a healthier and more supportive work environment and ensures compliance with legal obligations and ethical responsibilities.
Support
What Support Is Available?
If you know of a friend or colleague who is struggling, or even if you are struggling yourself, what can you do about it? There are a number of actions we can take, which may include:
Talking to the person you are concerned about; asking them if they are ok or if there is anything that you can do to help.
Speaking to your manager. There may be support facilities within the business, such as Employee Assistance Programmes, or temporary changes that can be made to assist with concerns.
Seeking professional help from doctors or medical professionals.
Using online and telephone support functions such as MIND (0300 123 3393) or The Samaritans (116 123).
Don’ts
Dos And Don’ts
With regards to self-help there are a number of actions and activities that are known to be of help and could work for others. These include:
Do speak with people about mental health.
Do speak with people about mental health.
Do consider friends and colleagues.
Do look for behavioural and physical changes in those around you.
Do not assume people are fine.
Do try to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Do look for help at the worst times and do not bottle up worries.
Do not think that you are weak by asking for help.
FAQ
Discussion Questions
If these questions do not fit the circumstances of Mental Health issues in your business, adapt them or substitute with more relevant questions.
