Everything To Know About World Mental Health Day 2024
World Mental Health Day falls on October 10th every year. The day aims to spread more awareness about mental health and reduce the stigma around it. This day encourages the mental well-being of all. The World Federation For Mental Health started the initiative of World Mental Health Day in 1992. Each year a specific theme is chosen to highlight the pressing mental health issues, engaging communities and people to work towards a better mental well-being for everyone. This year in 2024, the theme for World Mental Health Day is “It is time to prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace”. Since the pandemic broke out in the world, awareness of mental health has been on the rise. World Mental Health Day emphasises that taboos about mental well-being are broken and open and honest conversations are being encouraged. This year, it is about how mental well-being can be encouraged in the Workplace.
Understanding Mental Health Issues
Sometimes, losing the will to get up and go on with your routine tasks continuously is a sign of deteriorating mental health. Many of us ignore such issues thinking we are just tired physically, but mental exhaustion is a serious issue. Many individuals hesitate to tell when they are struggling with their mental health because of fear of judgement. World Mental Health Day is an initiative to eradicate this fear of judgement.
Importance of World Mental Health Day
If you ask people today about their mental health, they’ll say it’s either bad or the worst it has ever been. A lot of people are not aware of the fact that your mental health affects your physical health. Therefore, it is as important to take care of your mental health as it is for physical health. According to the World Health Organisation, one in eight people worldwide experiences mental health conditions. There is no typical form of mental health condition that can be predicted. It comes in any form such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder.Mental health overall affects how you feel, think and operate in your regular life. Despite it being so important, it is often overlooked. World Mental Health Day underscores the need for a proactive approach to creating environments that prioritise mental health.
It Is Time To Prioritise Mental Health In The Workplace: The Theme for World Mental Health Day, 2024
The theme for 2024 World Mental Health Day is “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace. Work-life balance seems to be a big problem for today’s generation. Many of the employees suffer mental health issues because of this. You don’t need to be in a superior position to promote mental health in the workplace. Every employee can play a role in supporting mental well-being.
Importance of Mental Health in the Workplace
Employee Well-being
The well-being of an employee directly impacts the work. When individuals feel supported and appreciated, their morale boosts, job satisfaction increases and they tend to perform better. At the same time, when it is neglected, their will to be productive decreases, which not only affects themselves but the whole team.
Boosting Productivity and Performance
According to research, organisations that support mental health see higher levels of engagement and more productivity. When individuals are mentally healthy they are more creative, agile and solution-oriented, ultimately proving to be an asset to their organisation.
Reduced Absenteeism and Turnover
Employees struggling with mental health tend to remain more absent, calling in sick often, eventually affecting the work overall. When they feel unappreciated and unsupported, they tend to find new job opportunities. World Mental Health Day promotes mental health, by this organisations can avoid absenteeism.
Steps to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace
This World Mental Health Day, let’s take a pledge to promote mental health on your part. Here are some simple actions you can take to promote mental health in your workplace:
Express Gratitude
The most common issue every employee faces is the non-expression of gratitude. A simple expression of acknowledgement and appreciation can foster better relationships and a more positive collaborative work environment. The action of appreciation not only affects the recipients but also the ones who are expressing it. The theme for 2024 World Mental Health Day promotes the expression of gratitude.
Accessible Support
Providing confidential support to individuals facing personal or work-related problems encourages them to communicate freely and find solutions to their issues. The support can be in any form including counselling, mental health resources, referrals, and creating a safety net for individuals in need. The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day encourages accessible support for employees in the workplace.
Promote Work-Life Balance
A healthy work-life balance ensures better mental well-being. Offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options and flexible work hours, allows employees reasonable rest days, helps employees manage their personal and professional commitments more effectively. The theme “It is time to prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace”, this World Mental Health Day promotes a work-life balance not only from the organisation’s end but employees’ too.
Regular Assessment of Employee Well-being
Communicating with individuals when they are not consistent in their performance, provides them a safe space where they can speak their issues. World Mental Health Day suggests conducting surveys and assessments to gauge the mental well-being of employees. It can also include fitness programs, mindfulness sessions and relaxation spaces in the workplace.
Consistent Discussions
World Mental Health Day promotes open conversations about mental well-being and issues throughout the year, encouraging a better work environment of understanding and empathy.
When to see a Doctor
Mental health is affected by various factors such as genetics, hormones, traumas and biology. When it’s become a routine that you lost your will to be productive for a while now, or you have some traumatising experience in your life, or if there’s a family history of mental health issues, you must not wait to visit a doctor. Consult your family doctors or general physician to start with. If you are facing any hormonal disorders such as thyroid disorders, you may face mental health issues. Consult your Endocrinologist as soon as possible. Criticare Lifeline Hospital has best endocrinologist in panvel who promote overall quality of life and help you manage hormones and mental well-being. World Mental Health Day encourages individuals to not take mental well-being lightly. Consult your doctor. Professional expertise helps you heal faster and better, without getting your condition out of hand.
Conclusion
World Mental Health Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health in our lives. The 2024 theme for World Mental Health Day, “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace” underscores a better work-life balance and promotes mental health beyond moral obligation. World Mental Health Day, this year emphasises creating a healthier work environment that enhances productivity and fosters positive work relationships. Promoting mental health is the way towards a brighter future. Break the stigma, participate in open conversations about mental health and be a part of a better and positive future.
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