It’s World Mental Health Day on 10th October (today).
1 in 4 of us will experience mental health problems this year.
Consider Jane’s story. She is a Marketing Manager at a Retail Bank . She was known by her colleagues as an energetic team member contributing great marketing ideas frequently in monthly leadership meetings. Over the past few months, her direct managers and team mates noticed that Jane was very quiet in meetings with very little to share. Some colleagues noticed that she appeared very tired and agitated at work. During morning coffee breaks, she had commented privately that she was feeling stuck at work. Jane had also lost her temper several times at team meetings, which was out of her character. Her direct manager realized that Jane may be burning out under pressure in the workplace.
Having a work colleague, friend, or family member supporting you can make all the difference. So, if someone you know is acting differently, step in.
The theme is ‘mental health in the workplace’ and we’re supporting Time to Change, a growing movement that’s changing how we all think and act about mental health.
It’s easy to dismiss mental health problems as something that only affects others. But, with 1 in 4 people experiencing mental health problems every year, it can happen to any of us – a work colleague, friend, or member of the family.
Without support from others, people with mental health problems can lose what they care about most. It’s a time when you need your colleagues, friends, and family more than ever. So, remember, if someone you know is acting differently, step in.
You don’t have to be an expert to be supportive. It can be as simple as checking in with someone, asking them how they’re doing, listening and not judging, just being there and being yourself. Time to Change is run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, and thousands of companies like us are joining to help make change happen.
