October 10th is World Mental Health Day – an annual event aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues and supporting better mental health.
The theme for 2017 is Mental Health in the Workplace. The theme recognises the importance and influence of the working environment on a person’s mental health and wellbeing.
Adults spend a large proportion of their time at work and work in itself is good for mental health; yet the work environment is a key influence on a person’s general happiness and wellbeing.
A negative working environment can lead to physical and mental health problems, but companies that support employees with mental health problems and put in place workplace initiatives to promote mental health can see results not only in their employees’ health but also in their productivity.
The WHO website states:
“Depression and anxiety disorders are common mental disorders that have an impact on our ability to work, and to work productively.
“Globally, more than 300 million people suffer from depression, the leading cause of disability. More than 260 million are living with anxiety disorders. Many of these people live with both.
“A recent WHO-led study estimates that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year in lost productivity.”
UK Mental Health at Work
- NHS figures show that
- 1 in 4 Brits are affected by mental illness
- Prescriptions for mental health issues have doubled in the last decade
- 1 in 3 GP sick notes for work are for mental health issue
- A YouGov poll in January 2017 revealed that
- Only 14% of the population don’t know someone with mental illness
- 8% of the population know 10 or more people with mental health issues
- A survey by Business in the Community showed that
- 60% of employees experienced symptoms of poor mental health related to work
- Less than 1 in 4 managers had received any training on dealing with mental health issues at work
The Mental Health Foundation say that the value added to the economy by people who have (or have had) mental health problems is estimated to be as much as £225 billion per year – equivalent to 12.1% of the UK’s total GDP (gross domestic product). Therefore it is imperative for companies to support their employees.
3 Step Approach for Companies
to Improve Employees’ Mental Health
A healthy workplace can be described as one where workers and managers actively contribute to the working environment by promoting and protecting the health, safety and well-being of all employees.
A guide from the World Economic Forum suggests that companies could look at this in a 3-pronged approach to promoting mental health:
- Reducing work-related risk factors
- Developing the positive aspects of work and the strengths of employees.
- Addressing mental health problems regardless of cause
A recent study led by the WHO (World Health Organisation) estimated that for every $1 put into scaled up treatment for common mental disorders, there is a return of $4 in improved health and productivity.
More about World Mental Health Day – links to World Health Organisation (WHO) website.
SMART TMS CLINICS
Smart TMS is a specialist provider of TMS treatment in London. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy (rTMS) is a technological breakthrough in the treatment of depression with a variety of further potential treatment applications.
Smart TMS is located within The Smart Clinics in South Kensington/Brompton Cross.
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