Mental Health: A Journey, Not a Destination
In a world that never seems to slow down, taking care of your mental health can feel like an impossible task. But the truth is, mental health isn’t something that can be neglected without consequences. That’s why the World Health Organization has designated October 10th as World Mental Health Day. Let’s celebrate the occasion by reflecting on what mental health is and how we can improve it for ourselves and those around us.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being – influencing how we think, feel, and behave. It plays a crucial role in how we manage stress, interact with others, and make sound decisions. Good mental health enables people to cope with life’s challenges, maintain productive relationships, and contribute to their communities. Just like good physical health requires regular exercise and a healthy diet, good mental health requires regular maintenance to keep it in good order.
World Mental Health Day 2024: Mental Health at Work
This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day is “Mental Health at Work.” Work should be free from poor and unhealthy working conditions that can affect mental health such as stigma, discrimination, and harassment. Employees need to feel safe and experience healthy work/life balance in order to thrive – both at work and in life.
Here are 10 strategies to maintain your mental health at work:
- Set Boundaries – Establish clear work-life boundaries to prevent burnout. This includes managing your work hours and taking regular breaks.
- Prioritize Self Care – Engage in activities that promote well-being, such as exercise and meditation, to recharge your mind and body.
- Foster Social Connection – Build positive relationships with colleagues. Engage in conversations and participate in team-building activities to create a supportive work environment.
- Practice Mindfulness – Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your day, such as deep breathing exercises or short meditation sessions. Not sure where to start? Your Motivation Alliance portal offers guided meditation audios through the Mindfulness Practices feature!
- Seek Feedback – If you’re not already receiving any, request feedback from your supervisors and peers. Constructive feedback can enhance your performance and provide a sense of achievement.
- Manage Stress – Identify stressors and develop coping strategies to mitigate them such as time management techniques or prioritizing tasks.
- Stay Organized – Keep a structured schedule and clean your workspace. Organization can reduce anxiety and help you focus better.
- Take Breaks – Step away from your desk periodically to recharge. Short breaks can enhance productivity and improve your overall mood.
- Access Support Resources – Take advantage of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or mental health resources offered by your workplace. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
- Maintain a Positive Mindset – Cultivate a positive attitude by focusing on your achievements and practicing gratitude. A great way to practice this is by using your well-being portal’s Reflection Journal. Start small by aiming to reflect once weekly and build from there if you’d like. Don’t forget, your entries are completely confidential!
If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed and needs support, please know that help is available. You can reach out by calling or texting 988 for immediate assistance.
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Resources:
About the World Mental Health Day. About the World Mental Health Day – World Mental Health Day. (2022, August). https://wmhdofficial.com/about-the-world-mental-health-day/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, April 16). About Mental Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 21). Coping with Stress. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/cope-with-stress/index.html
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, November 30). Job burnout: How to spot it and take action. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642
Mental Health America, Inc. (n.d.). Depression in the Workplace. Mental Health America. https://www.mhanational.org/depression-workplace
Mental Health Foundation. (n.d.). How to support Mental Health at Work. Mental Health Foundation. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/how-support-mental-health-work
World Health Organization. (n.d.). World Mental Health Day 2024. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2024
Disclaimer
We want you to be well and to live your best life. The content in this blog is provided for the purposes to educate and entertain you: our very important reader. It is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for medical advice from a trained healthcare professional.
If you have a medical condition or are under the care of a medical provider, please always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional before undertaking a new health care regimen. To that point, never disregard medical advice or delay treatment for a medical condition because of something you read on this site.
Listen to your care providers as they know you and your condition best. Thank you for reading!
The Team at BSDI