Mental Health at Work -
Posted: 14th Sep 2018
For many of us, work is a major
part of our lives. It is where we spend much of our time, where we get our
income and often where we make our friends. Having a fulfilling job can be good
for your mental health and general well being. We all have times when life gets
on top of us – sometimes that's work-related, like deadlines or travel.
Sometimes it's something else – our health, our relationships, or our
circumstances.
Recently, Prince Harry has opened
up about his mental health. This is a really important decision for us all.
Prince Harry admitted to years of attacks both of panic and rage, disclosing
that his life was in "total chaos" for two years. The prince
acknowledged that he had completely blocked his emotions for years, a policy
that resulted in severe psychological effects. It is an inspiration to us all
that the Royal Family has opened up and made mental health more aware.
The Duke of Cambridge launched
‘Mental Health at Work’, which is a new initiative from Heads Together and Mind
aiming to change the way that we approach workplace mental health across the
UK. Heads Together is a mental health campaign led by The Royal Foundation in
partnership with YoungMinds and seven other charities. It aims to challenge mental
health stigma and change how it is perceived.
A major study into workplace
wellbeing by Mind has revealed that poor mental health at work is widespread,
with 48% of people saying they have experienced a mental health problem in
their current job. [Taken from https://www.headstogether.org.uk/2018/09/10/the-duke-of-cambridge-launches-mental-health-at-work/]
Mental health is something we all
have. When we enjoy good mental health, we have a sense of purpose and
direction, the energy to do the things we want to do, and the ability to deal
with the challenges that happen in our lives. When we think about our physical
health, there's a place for keeping ourselves fit, and a place for getting
appropriate help as early as possible so we can get better. Mental health is
just the same.
Awareness of mental health is
increasing, but we still face a world where people with mental health problems
face discrimination, and can face challenges getting the help they need. Many
people who experience distress try to keep their feelings hidden because they
are afraid of other people’s responses. So, since the Royal Family is making a
stand, it’s an inspiration for us all to talk and open up about our mental
health! Young Minds, one of the charities that Prince Harry works so closely
with for the Heads Together campaign he set up along with his brother the Duke
and Duchess of Cambridge.
Wherever you work and whatever
industry you may work in, we all have mental health. Sometimes it’s good and
sometimes it’s not. When it’s not, it’s important that we all feel able to talk
about it at work.