World Mental Health Day
- ahaeurekamoment
- Oct 10, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 17
For this year, the theme for world mental health day is prioritising mental health in the workplace! #10October2024
Workplace mental health is a relevant topic for a large portion of working class in society. This is in light that for most employed adults, work takes up the bulk of one’s waking hours, as compared to one’s engagements in non-work endeavours. In addition, the impact that work can bring to a person’s life can either make or break, so to speak. In particular, while it can be a source of meaning, satisfaction, purpose, and hope to individuals, it may also contribute to feelings of distress, and overwhelm, depending on the type and nature of experiences and interactions one faces at work.
And we know that work stress or distress, when left unaddressed, can translate to other issues such as physical health concerns/illnesses. And this can in turn affect overall workplace productivity and morale- which can have a broader impact on communities on a more macro-level. Additionally, given how we are all inter-connected, work place mental health is a significant area that needs more attention and discussion as its impact can have ripple effect on people around us. Other relationships can be affected too. Indeed, what started as a work-related stress can go on to affect other aspects of one’s life.
Burnout, which occurs as a result of excessive and prolonged stress that’s not been adequately managed, is characterised by:
feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion;
increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job; and
reduced professional efficacy.
(Reference: World Health Organisation (WHO), 2019)
When one experiences burnout, one feels an overwhelming sense of exhaustion and dread about work, making one feel like withdrawing or less engaged from our commitments and people around us. There is also a reduced sense of competency one feels about work which in turn results in lowered workplace morale and productivity.
For individuals who had been struggling with ongoing stress at work or feeling symptoms of burnout, do know that it is common for you to feel stuck and slightly hopeless especially when you are in this challenging situation for some time and unable to break out of the cycle. However, do take slight comfort that awareness is the first step. And where there is a will and motivation for change, there will be a way out of this. You get to write the narrative of your life from now on. Perhaps, you can reach out to someone at the workplace who you are comfortable with. Otherwise, try to keep close to your social network even though there is a strong tendency to isolate. This is so that your social network of loved ones or people who care may watch out for you and/or you can find opportunity and space to raise concerns, where relevant.
In some organisation, there is the Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) where employees can receive additional support for mental health e.g., psychotherapy consultation, counselling from EAP providers. This is with the intent to address the mental health concerns which may take a toll on their well-being. You may want to check in with your human resource department in your organisation on the EAP initiatives that your company has in store for your consideration.
I’ve also included a pictorial resource for mental health support in Singapore for your reference too.
Credits given to Straits Times Graphics.
Another way to take control from burnout may be to review the work situation and concern. For instance, if there is a specific change that you feel would help your situation, and that flagging it up is what you need, you may want to decide when and how to do so with the relevant party at work.
Related to this endeavour of mental health and well-being, I am glad how Prime Minister Mr Lawrence Wong has also acknowledged mental health as a “national priority” and in line with this, the government has recently launched the People Action Party(PAP)’s mental health group. Well, I see this as a step towards the favourable direction! Will keep this space updated about relevant initiatives and insights. So stay tune and as usual, I am rooting for you always!
For those interested, please check out this note by president of World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH):
To read further on guidelines/policy by WHO on workplace mental health:
Sincerely,
Jeanice
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