Every year, World Mental Health Day (WMHD) challenges the deep-rooted stigma and shame that has historically obscured mental health issues around the world. Mental health experiences are deeply personal, but World Day on October 10 is a reminder that mental health is a universal human right.
THE World Federation for Mental Health launched WMHD in 1992. This year, with the theme “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right,” they are focusing on mental health as a fundamental right available to everyone, regardless of identity or location.
Amid the daily routine of our individual lives and the chaotic nature of world events, it is easy for mental health awareness to get overshadowed. World Mental Health Day reminds us that tackling mental health at individual, societal and global levels is a year-round commitment that deserves our attention and action.
This day reminds us that mental health is important for everyone, everywhere.
The global mental health landscape
Almost one billion People around the world struggle with diagnosable mental health issues, making them the leading cause of years lived with disability. Despite this alarming prevalence, access to mental health services remains a significant challenge, with up to 70% of individuals not receiving treatment.
The scale of mental health problems around the world is staggering. A recent and extensive global study revealed that one in two people worldwide will develop a mental health problem in their lifetime. Therefore, this issue has a significant impact on workplaces and organizations.
World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity to focus on the mental health of employees. It encourages workplace leaders to raise awareness and promote mental wellness within their businesses and organizations, addressing a concern that affects countless people in their working lives.
Employee mental health is an important part of the equation
Of the 2022, 60% of the world’s population is working and a large portion of this workforce suffers from mental health issues. Depression and anxiety alone cost businesses 1 trillion dollars globally in loss of productivity. Furthermore, it is estimated that one in four people The world is currently suffering from a mental health problem, which indicates the magnitude of this problem.
A recent Gallup investigation found that 44% of employees faced significant stress, which reached an all-time high in 2021. This trend, which has persisted for almost a decade, has created an atmosphere of high stress among workers around the world .
Employees in East Asia, the United States and Canada share the highest stress levels in the world. Additionally, younger and remote workers, facing exceptionally high levels of stress, are emerging as the most stressed workers in the world.
Global factors influencing employee mental health
Access to mental health care is hampered by various interconnected factors barriersincluding:
- Insufficient suppliers: The limited availability of mental health professionals creates significant barriers for people seeking care.
- Transportation challenges: Many struggle to access mental health services due to a lack of accessible transportation options.
- Cultural disparities: The absence of culturally adapted Screening tools and interventions hinder the effectiveness of mental health support, particularly for diverse communities.
- Negative healthcare experiences: Past negative encounters, particularly regarding mental health stigmadiscourage individuals from seeking help from health systems.
- Financial barriers: Economic constraints in private and public health facilities hinder access to essential mental health services.
- Limited awareness and stigma: Insufficient awareness and stigma surrounding mental health issues leads to discrimination, discouraging individuals from seeking the help they need.
Breaking stigma globally
Mental health stigmaomnipresent in workplaces and in society, is a global barrier to address mental health issues. This stigma often manifests through internalized shame and negative attitudes towards people with mental health problems, or through socially constructed and collectively shared negative beliefs.
Stigma contributes to delayed treatment, increased morbidity and reduced quality of life for people experiencing mental health problems.
Globally, the experience of stigma is widespread. For example, 80% of people diagnosed with illnesses like schizophrenia Or major depressive disorder have reported cases of discrimination in clinical settings around the world.
Fighting stigma in the workplace
A 2016 meta-analysis Review of anti-stigma campaigns revealed the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions in reducing mental health stigma across diverse cultures.
These proven approaches have a significant impact on workplace wellbeing, enabling employees to openly discuss their mental health and seek help without fear. Workplace leaders can combat stigma by:
- Ensure accessible support: Manufacturing mental health support easily accessible to all employees.
- Promote inclusive language: Use inclusive methods and non-stigmatizing language when addressing mental health topics at all organizational levels.
- Consistent Discussions: Encourage ongoing conversations about mental health throughout the year, fostering a culture of openness and understanding.
- Providing education: Offer mental health literacy And first aid training equip all employees with the necessary knowledge and skills.
- Implementation policies: Enforce non-discrimination and harassment policies that include mental health, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment.
By taking these steps, workplaces can foster a supportive environment all year round, prioritizing the mental well-being of their employees.
Strategies to keep mental health in focus throughout the year
The recent report from the World Health Organization Detailed report on mental health at work focuses on mental health at three essential levels: organizational, managerial and individual.
To reduce barriers, combat stigma, encourage early intervention and provide comprehensive mental health support to employees, organizations can adopt the following strategies:
- Mental health training for managers
- Workshops and training all year round
- Leveraging Employee Resource Groups (ERG)
- Inclusive awareness campaigns
- Plea for leadership
Enable leadership advocacy
Establishing a company culture where mental health is woven into the organizational fabric starts at the top.
World Mental Health Day provides a great opportunity for leaders to share their own mental health journey, fostering empathy and understanding. Such openness from leaders reduces stigma and creates a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. Employees experiencing mental health issues are more likely to seek help, knowing that it is a normal and supported part of the workplace.
Promoting well-being through communication
It is essential to integrate mental health education, awareness campaigns and leadership approval into regular employee communication channels. Using social media posts, employee resource groups, emails, and company events provide the opportunity to spread mental health awareness messages and actively contribute to destigmatization efforts.
For example, leaders can advocate for mental health benefits and integrate discussions about mental health support into routine company communications, such as emails or company-wide addresses. ‘business.
By systematically integrating these conversations, employees receive a clear message that mental health is a major concern for their organization and that it is encouraged to discuss it in the context of work.
Celebrate World Mental Health Day
While it is important to focus on mental health throughout the year, World Mental Health Day provides a unique opportunity to raise awareness and highlight the importance of mental health within a business or of an organization.
Here are some suggestions for celebrating and promoting mental health awareness on World Labor Day and in the days leading up to it:
- Encourage workplace leaders to share their mental health journey
- Create a supportive Slack channel dedicated to employee well-being
- Invite a speaker to discuss mental health
- Organize mindfulness activities, such as a guided group meditation, online or in person
- Promote your business global mental health benefits
- Encourage mental health breaks for employees
- Offer mental health days and/or consider making WMHD a paid holiday
Above all, take action
As we celebrate World Mental Health Day and look forward to the continued progress needed to meet the mental health needs of every individual as a fundamental human right, it is crucial to recognize the central role that work plays in well-being. be.
Work environments significantly influence mental health, making the workplace a catalyst for positive changes in mental well-being. This World Mental Health Day, highlight the importance of mental health through advocacy, education, mental health benefits and support global mental health organizations.
Join our next webinar to learn how to deliver comprehensive mental health services globally, ensuring rapid access and tailored solutions.
