Mental Health Awareness
With World Mental Health day earlier this week it is appropriate to raise awareness in the work place and highlight the support that we provide. Incorporatewear and our parent company WWG in Australia are committed to providing support to all employees.
Although the ‘R U Ok?’ charity and initiative is Australian based we can take helpful advice from it, including hints and tips for speaking to people you think may be struggling. Here in the UK we have World Mental Health day, and the charity Mind, who provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing mental health problems.
The charity found that at least 1 in 6 workers experience mental health problems, including anxiety and depression, so it is important to us that we tackle these issues to ensure our workforce are as happy and comfortable as possible, both in and out of work. Sometimes conversations are too big for friends and family and professional support is needed. This is where mental health and suicide prevention service providers can help.
As part of WWG we are also entitled to the free and confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which is open to all team members, family members and friends. EAP assists you to identify, explore and manage any issues impacting your life, which can include:
- Conflict and communication
- Maximising performance
- Depression, anxiety and stress
- Relationship and marital problems
- Children or family member concerns
- Grief and bereavement
- Elder care issues
- Addictions
- Career path issues
- Retirement
- Work life balance
- Work stress
What can you do to help?
The below pointers were created in order to help people learn how to support individuals who appear to be struggling with mental health issues. It advises things to say to help and show support to that person as it can sometimes be difficult to know what to say or do.
- Ask someone who’s having troubles – Are you ok?
- Listen without judgement and show support
- Don’t say things like “I know what you’re going through” or “Look on the brightside” or worst of all “cheer up”
- Do say “you’re not alone” and “how can I help?”
- Encourage action, ask them if they have spoken to anyone about this or help them figure out what they can change to make things better or easier
- If the person is in denial make sure they know you are here for them when they are ready to talk
- Make sure to check in with them to see how they are doing
