Mental health has become a growing concern in many workplaces for both staff and business owners alike. The constant demands from customers, work related stress and the fast paced nature of the world we live in all contribute to this. Sometimes it even gets to the point where these demands and expectations lead to you feeling overwhelmed. You start to hate what you do or even fear it and the constant strain causes you to succumb to anxiety and depression.
It doesn’t help that the stigma surrounding mental health is still not addressed properly at home or in the workplace. Even with increased awareness in today’s society many people scoff at mental health and think that people should just “get over it!” This prevents many from seeking help and support because they feel they will be ostracised from their workmates or even their families. This further exacerbates the problem for those suffering from poor mental health. Therefore, it is crucial to acknowledge the prevalence of mental health issues and address them proactively.
What is the importance of my mental health in business?
Mental health issues can significantly impact a business in many ways. Whether it is an employee or the business owner, anyone within the company can suffer from a mental illness. If left unaddressed the problem can spread from the person suffering to others within the business, lowering morale and reducing productivity. Therefore, it is important to address the issue in a supportive manner that will help those suffering from a mental illness in the long term. Mental health issues do not have an overnight cure so it is essential that a lasting solution is set in motion.
Maintaining good mental health is essential for everyone in a business, from employees to leaders. When your mental wellbeing is good you are more likely to experience higher satisfaction, engagement and creativity in your work. This enables you to effectively manage your stress better while helping you adapt to challenges which leads to improved problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Ultimately, investing in mental health not only benefits yourself and those around you but also contributes to a healthier, more productive business overall.
How do I recognise the signs of both my mental health issues and others?
You’re probably thinking the following. “Can I recognise when my mental health isn’t the best?” Well, of course you can! Having good self-awareness plays a significant role in identifying personal behavioural changes. Recognizing your own behaviour involves being attuned to shifts in your mood, changes in your sleep patterns, alterations in your appetite and fluctuations in your energy levels. When you know that these habits of yours are out of whack, you can make adjustments to better your mental wellbeing.
It is also equally important to observe and understand the behaviour of those around us, especially in business. Recognizing the behaviour of others requires empathy, active listening to the other person and observing the state of their emotional well-being and social interactions. By distinguishing between self-observation and observing others, you can develop a comprehensive understanding of mental health indicators.
Being a master at reading people takes time but you also need to know what you’re looking for. There are several mental health indicators that you should be aware of when trying to understand your mental state as well as others in the workplace. Some of these signs can be fairly obvious at first glance while others can be a bit harder to get a grasp on. They include the following:
Persistent changes in mood and behaviour
Mental illness doesn’t just affect our mind but our emotions and actions as well. Noticeable changes in one’s mood or behaviour over a period of time can be a sign of poor mental health. These changes include sudden, unexplained shifts in emotions such as frequent irritability, anger or even sadness. In the workplace, this may manifest as a normally calm and composed staff member becoming easily agitated or displaying uncharacteristic outbursts of frustration. For example, if a usually punctual and organized colleague starts consistently missing deadlines and becoming disorganized, it could be a sign of underlying mental health issues.
Decreased productivity and performance
A significant decline in productivity and performance can be the result of underlying issues related to poor mental health and wellbeing. Mental health issues affect concentration, focus and motivation at home and in the workplace. This leaves those suffering to become distracted or even drift off into their own thoughts while their bodies feel heavy and lethargic. This leads to a noticeable decrease in work output and attention to detail. For instance, an employee who used to consistently meet or exceed targets may start consistently falling behind or producing subpar work. They may struggle to concentrate on tasks, make frequent mistakes or have difficulty completing assignments on time.
Withdrawal and social isolation
A sudden withdrawal and social isolation is a key indicator that anxiety or depression is affecting someone’s mental state. Staff members who are experiencing mental health challenges may start to withdraw from social interactions, avoiding team meetings, skip lunch breaks or other social gatherings. They may become increasingly self-isolated, preferring to work alone and avoiding conversations with colleagues. This behaviour can be a red flag, as it may indicate that they are severely struggling with their mental well-being and need support.
Increased absenteeism and tardiness
Mental health issues can manifest in the form of increased absenteeism and tardiness. Employees who are dealing with mental health challenges may frequently call in sick or constantly arrive late to work. This is most likely because they are struggling to get out of bed in the morning due to feelings of exhaustion or lack of motivation. This pattern can disrupt workflow and impact team dynamics, especially if there is someone in a leadership position exhibiting this behaviour.
Physical symptoms without medical cause
The body works in mysterious ways and the mind can have a big impact on what it experiences. Physical symptoms without a medical cause is one such impact the mind can have on the body when someone is suffering from underlying mental health issues. Symptoms may include frequent headaches, stomach aches, muscle tension or unexplained fatigue. In the workplace, an employee who frequently complains of physical discomfort without any apparent medical explanation may be experiencing mental health challenges that are manifesting in physical symptoms of illness.
There is no way of knowing for sure if someone is suffering from mental health issues unless they tell you themselves. Therefore, it is important to note that these signs alone do not definitively indicate mental illness, but they can serve as potential indicators that someone may be struggling with their mental health. If you notice these signs in yourself or others, it is crucial to approach the situation with empathy and encourage seeking professional help or mental health support resources.
Strategies for managing stress and anxiety in the workplace
Stress in the workplace can have a significant impact on someone’s mental health whether they are the owner of the business or an employee. Prolonged stress on a daily basis often leads to the development of anxiety which, if not treated, can turn into depression. Unfortunately, the demanding nature of work is a common cause of mental health issues today. High expectations, long hours and interpersonal conflicts increase stress for many in the workplace leaving morale at an all-time low.
It can be hard to manage stress, especially when it becomes overwhelming for those suffering from mental health issues. Some signs that they are suffering include persistent worrying, restlessness and difficulty concentrating. To help effectively manage stress and anxiety in the workplace you can implement strategies that promote mental well-being and a supportive working environment. Some of these strategies include:
1. Encouraging work-life balance
Promoting a healthy work-life balance is essential to help reduce stress. Encouraging yourself and others to prioritize self-care can be very beneficial for your business. Offering flexible work hours, regular breaks and discouraging excessive overtime will increase morale in the workplace and helps with performance and staff retention. By allowing yourself and others to have time for relaxation and personal activities it is easier to manage stress while preventing the onset of anxiety.
2. Providing stress management resources
Offering resources and tools to help others manage stress is very beneficial. When offering these services ensure you promote an environment where people feel safe to use them without judgement. Some resources you can provide include access to counselling services, organizing stress management workshops and offering courses in relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or meditation sessions. By equipping yourself and your employees with effective stress management techniques you can develop coping mechanisms to deal with workplace stressors and thereby reducing the likelihood of anxiety and depression.
3. Fostering a supportive work environment
Creating a supportive work environment is crucial for reducing stress and anxiety. Start by encouraging open communication, empathy and collaboration among team members. Promoting a culture that values mental health will let your colleagues know that you care about their wellbeing. This, in turn, will encourage them to seek support when it’s needed and helps boost their morale and performance. By fostering a supportive work environment, others will feel more comfortable discussing their stressors and venting their frustrations which will reduce the impact of stress and anxiety on their well-being.
There are many benefits to implementing these types of strategies in the workplace. To start with, it improves the overall emotional well-being and mental health of yourself and others in the workplace. Promoting an environment that supports healthy mental wellbeing allows everyone to feel less stressed which improves focus, sound decision making and teamwork. This helps to foster positive relationships among team members thereby creating a healthier and more productive workplace which ensures the overall success of the company.
What can I do to help my mental health today?
You might be thinking this. “Can my mental health affect my business?” Yes, it definitely can! A healthy workplace and environment starts with the one running it. If you are miserable, your business environment will be miserable for everyone else. On the other hand, if you are positive and create a harmonious environment, this will breed positivity in everyone else working there. However, not everyone is going to feel dandy all the time, including yourself. So, it is important to recognise the signs of mental illness early to see what can be done to help.
By identifying these signs early on you can seek appropriate support which can help with mental health recovery faster. Knowing what mental health is about also enables you to generate understanding, especially if you have suffered from mental illnesses yourself. This helps to reduce the stigma around poor mental well-being which helps yourself as well as others around you in the long run.
Can self care help my mental health?
To maintain your mental health, you need to be proactive in all areas that make you happy. This includes your own self-care, taking time to enjoy your hobbies, spending time with family and going out with friends. This will help you to unwind which releases tension from your body as well as your mind. Practicing stress management techniques is also beneficial so you can cope with stress factors at work better and maintain a positive vibe. Mindfulness exercises and meditation are excellent in this regard and help you to process everything going on in your life while also helping you to assess situations calmly and ‘get out of your own head’.
As a leader, it can be hard to maintain a healthy mental wellbeing but it is not impossible. If you put in the effort to make yourself and your environment positive, it will be easier for you and less stressful in the long run. This will empower you to help others suffering from mental illness while improving your own quality of life and your business overall.
Please be advised this information may help but is NOT a replacement for professional health advice. If you are feeling unwell please speak to a medical professional.
