Ten Seconds to a Nervous Breakdown
“If you’re going through hell, keep going.” — Winston Churchill.
For the longest time, this was the go-to response given to anyone going through a difficult time. “Just keep going” was the general motto. But what if you can’t? For more and more people around the world, getting up and going is become that much more difficult.
Recently the World Health Organization (WHO) released a scientific brief which stated that, during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic alone there was a 25% increase in cases of anxiety and depression globally. The brief further indicated that younger people — particularly the age group 20–24 years — are at a disproportional risk of suicidal behavior, when compared to older age groups. As if the increase alone is not worrisome enough, there still remains a stigma around mental health problems and those diagnosed with such — especially in the workplace. A study done in 2019 by the American Psychiatric Association revealed that nearly half of employees were afraid to discuss mental health at the office, and that more than 1 in 3 were afraid of being fired if they sought mental health care. Sadly the situation does not appear to have improved. In 2021 a survey done by McKinsey and Company found that 75% of employees believe there is a stigma surrounding mental health within their place of business.
Besides the stigma surrounding mental health, there seems to exist somewhat of a misperception between employers and employees regarding mental health and mental health programs. The McKinsey survey also revealed that 96% of top executives believed they have adequate mental health support programs within their companies, yet only 69% of their employees agreed. It is perceptions — and misperceptions — such as these that poses massive challenges in helping those struggling with mental health problems and in creating an environment in which they feel safe to speak up and get help. Considering how big part work plays in our everyday life, it is of vital importance that companies take a much more active role in assisting employees with their mental health. Whether working from home or at the office, cultivating a safe and supportive working environment can go a long way in ensuring that employees get the help they need and have the support they need to continue with their recovery.
Because each company is different, with different working environments and different challenges, mental health support programs will have to be adapted to each company’s needs. When implementing these programs, there are some general points to consider:
1. Leading from the front.
Having the CEO and top executives within the company show their support to the mental health programs will go a long way in ensuring its success. Many studies have shown that a key factor in the success or failure of mental health programs within a company, is the buy in from executives. When top executives are involved in creating a buy-in and share authentic experiences, the mental health support program is far more likely to succeed, and provide the proper support to those who need it.
2. Stay in touch.
Open communication is of critical importance, especially in a world of remote workspaces. Managers, HR personnel and supervisors should be in touch with employees on regular basis regarding aspects such as working environment and work responsibilities. Information regarding mental health support programs should be properly communicated and done in a way that employees will feel safe to make use of such programs. Employees need to know that there are people and resources available to support them should they need it, and this can only be done through proper communication. Casually asking an employee how they are will not only go a long way in building a safe environment for employees, but also shows authentic leadership skills on the side of the manager.
From a management or HR perspective, communication from employees is needed if you are to implement an effective support program. Providing inadequate or irrelevant resources to employees will be of no benefit to anyone, and may even worsen the problem as employees may feel that the company is not taking the mental health and wellbeing seriously. Ensure that there are open and effective communication channels in place so that proper support can be provided.
3. Why so serious?
Support programs do not have to be a somber and serious affair. It does not have to be a group of people sitting and talking about problems the whole time. Make sure that the program has a level of fun to it to uplift the mood of those attending. Again, if it seems that the company is not putting in effort with the program employees may feel that it is merely a tick box exercise. Putting in effort to bring a level of fun to the programs will not only improve the participants’ mood, but also show them that the company is values them.
4. It takes a village…
While that comment relates to child-raising, but can be applicable here. The biggest fear faced by those struggling with mental health problems is that they will be singled out and marginalized. Implementing targeted programs for the whole company will assist in allaying such fears, combat the mental health stigma and can also promote a better understanding among employees regarding mental health. Examples of such programs can be regular team building events, department lunches or company sport days paired with information sessions.
5. Let’s get physical.
Speaking of company sports days, employers who encourage and support their employees in being more active may reap the rewards. Many a study have shown how regular exercise can assist in combating mental health. Hosting annual — or regular — sports days, opening a company gym or negotiating a corporate gym membership for employees are only some ways in which companies can support their employees in living a healthier life. The benefits from such an initiative go well beyond mental health. Regular exercise will lead to employees having more energy and being more productive.
Mental health problems is quickly becoming a new pandemic affecting young and old. The consequences of such problems not only affect those struggling with it, but their loved ones and everyone around them. It is something that we all need to be cognizant of and lend a helping hand wherever we can. No one should suffer in silence.
“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, more unashamed conversation about illnesses that affect not only individuals, but their families as well.” — Glenn Close
