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Why we DESPERATELY need more than ‘awareness’ from organisations this Mental Health Awareness week. As usual, this week we're seeing lots of organisations getting behind the importance of mental health, promoting good wellbeing practices and showcasing the ways in which they support the mental health of their people. Which is all good. Except sometimes the words and actions don't align: ❌ Advice to move more and get outside is great…unless people are already working 12 hour days just to keep their heads above water. ❌ Encouraging people to open up when they're struggling is fantastic…unless they're met with blank faces (or worse) from their managers when they do. ❌ Providing access to mental health support is awesome…unless it's primarily needed because a toxic workplace culture is grinding employees down. This disconnect is so prevalent it now has a name. 'Wellbeing washing' is when an organisation focuses more on appearing to care about wellbeing than it does on actually taking care of its people. And in a recent survey by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, 51% of workers said their employer was guilty of it. So, what can organisations do to avoid 'wellbeing washing' this Mental Health Awareness week? I suggest the following three steps to start making more meaningful change: 1️⃣ Better understand your people’s mental health experiences and challenges: In a 2023 Deloitte study, most employees said their mental health had worsened or stayed the same over the last year. However, 77% of C-suite leaders believed their people's mental health had improved. The difference is stark, real and worrying. And we need to close the gap. Ask the questions and listen empathetically. 2️⃣ Speak to your managers about how they can be better supported in supporting their teams: The Workforce Institute at UKG recently found that a person’s manager has a bigger impact on their mental health than their doctor or therapist! Most managers want to support their teams but need the right environment, knowledge and capability to do so. Again, ask and listen intently. 3️⃣ Take action and design solutions that directly address your people’s feedback: The majority of companies are all doing the same things under the umbrella of supporting employee mental health. Mindfulness workshops. Resilience training. Yoga sessions. And a study this year by the University of Oxford showed they make no difference at all. Instead of doing the usual, take meaningful action based on what your people are actually saying they need. Spoiler alert: it’s likely to involve bettering the work environment, moderating the amount of time employees spend working and really supporting people during their times of need. What do you think? Do you recognise the concept of wellbeing washing? What else should organisations be doing? Let’s make this the year of Mental Health ACTION! #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #wellbeing #employeeexperience

The Importance of Mental Wellbeing: A Key to Thriving in Life and Work In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, the conversation around mental well-being has become more important than ever. Mental health isn’t just the absence of mental illness; it’s about achieving a state of balance, resilience, and positivity that allows us to navigate life’s challenges and seize opportunities. We often focus heavily on physical health while overlooking the vital role our mental well-being plays in our overall quality of life. However, it’s clear that when our mind is in a good place, we are better equipped to: - Handle daily challenges with clarity and confidence. - Foster healthy, meaningful relationships. - Make sound decisions and adapt to change effectively. - Boost creativity and productivity in personal and professional life. Why Mental Wellbeing Matters Mental health is the foundation for how we think, feel, and interact with others. It impacts how we approach work, relationships, and even how we see ourselves. When neglected, it can lead to burnout, stress, and reduced effectiveness, all of which take a toll on both personal and professional growth. Simple Ways to Care for Your Mental Wellbeing 1️⃣ Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for rest, proper nutrition, and activities that spark joy and relaxation. Whether it’s a hobby, exercise, or mindfulness practices, find what works for you. 2️⃣ Build a Supportive Network: Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you. Social connections play a crucial role in maintaining mental health. 3️⃣ Manage Stress Effectively: Practice techniques like journaling, meditation, or deep breathing to help regulate stress levels. 4️⃣ Speak Up: Don’t hesitate to seek professional help when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Therapy and counseling are valuable tools for maintaining mental health. 5️⃣ Set Boundaries: Protect your energy by saying no to things that drain you unnecessarily. Remember, prioritizing yourself is not selfish—it’s essential. A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY As individuals, colleagues, and leaders, we all have a role to play in creating an environment that prioritizes mental well-being. Whether it’s fostering open conversations, checking in on loved ones, or simply showing kindness, small actions can make a big difference. Your mental well-being is your greatest asset. It’s not a luxury but a necessity for thriving in every area of life. Let’s make mental health a priority for ourselves and those around us. How do you prioritize your mental well-being? I’d love to hear your thoughts and strategies. Let’s continue this important conversation! 🌟 Your Favorite Registered Nurse 👩⚕️❤️

World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10th, is a reminder of the importance of mental health and wellness. This day brings global attention to mental health challenges and encourages individuals, communities, and governments to take proactive steps in supporting those in need. Mental health is as crucial as physical health, affecting how we think, feel, and act. Unfortunately, many people struggle with mental health issues in silence due to stigma or lack of access to resources. The Importance of Mental Health and Wellness Maintaining mental wellness is essential for overall well-being. It allows individuals to cope with the stresses of life, build healthy relationships, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Mental wellness isn’t just the absence of mental illness; it’s about cultivating resilience, mindfulness, and emotional balance. When mental health is neglected, it can impact every aspect of a person’s life, from personal relationships to work performance. Recommendations for Mental Health and Wellness Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling, consider reaching out to a licensed mental health professional, such as a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist. Therapy offers a safe space to explore emotions and develop coping strategies. Practice Self-Care: Prioritize activities that nurture your mental health, such as exercise, mindfulness meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature. Regular self-care helps to manage stress and build emotional resilience. Stay Connected: Human connection is vital to mental wellness. Talk to friends, family, or support groups. Social interaction can provide comfort and remind you that you’re not alone in your struggles. Limit Stress: Identify stress triggers in your life and take steps to reduce them. Get Enough Rest: Quality sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to maintain emotional balance and mental clarity. Resources National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Provides information, resources, and support groups for those dealing with mental health issues. (https://nami.org) Crisis Text Line: Offers free, confidential crisis support via text. Text “HELLO” to 741741. Mental Health America (MHA) Promotes mental health education, resources, and support services. (https://mhanational.org) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):A free, confidential helpline providing referrals to treatment options. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) Encouraging Those in Need to Seek Help One of the key messages of World Mental Health Day is the importance of seeking help when struggling with mental health challenges. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, stress, or other conditions, no one should feel ashamed to ask for support. Reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or professional is the first step toward healing. Early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening and lead to better outcomes.

Prioritizing Mental Health: The Importance of Regular Mental Health Checks 🌟 In today's fast-paced world, mental health is just as important as physical health. Regular mental health checks can make a significant difference in our well-being and productivity. Here’s why they matter and how to incorporate them into your routine: 1. Early Detection 🕵️♀️ Just like regular physical check-ups, mental health checks can help identify issues early on. Early detection means you can address concerns before they escalate, leading to better outcomes. 2. Reduce Stigma 💬 Talking about mental health openly and making regular checks a norm can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. It promotes a culture of understanding and support. 3. Improve Productivity 📈 Good mental health is linked to higher productivity and creativity. When you take care of your mental well-being, you’re more focused, motivated, and effective at work. 4. Enhance Relationships 🤝 Being mentally healthy helps you build stronger, more positive relationships both in and out of the workplace. It improves communication, empathy, and collaboration. 5. Boost Resilience 💪 Regular mental health checks help build resilience. They equip you with the tools and strategies to cope with stress and bounce back from challenges more effectively. How to Incorporate Mental Health Checks: 1. Self-Assessment 🧠 Take time to regularly check in with yourself. Reflect on your mood, stress levels, and overall emotional state. There are many self-assessment tools available online to help guide you. 2. Professional Support 🩺 Consider regular sessions with a mental health professional. Therapists and counselors can provide valuable insights and strategies to maintain and improve your mental health. 3. Wellness Programs 🏢 Participate in workplace wellness programs if available. Many organizations offer resources and activities focused on mental health and well-being. 4. Mindfulness and Relaxation 🧘♂️ Incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, into your daily routine. These activities can significantly reduce stress and improve your mental clarity. 5. Stay Connected 🌐 Maintain social connections and support networks. Talking to friends, family, or colleagues about your feelings can provide emotional support and perspective. Remember, taking care of your mental health is not a sign of weakness but a step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life. Make mental health checks a regular part of your routine and encourage others to do the same. 💬 How do you incorporate mental health checks into your routine? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below! #MentalHealth #Wellness #SelfCare #Productivity #Resilience #MentalHealthAwareness

🌍 Today is World Mental Health Day, and this year's theme focuses on mental health at work—a crucial topic for fostering a supportive and productive environment. As we navigate our professional lives, it's essential to prioritize mental well-being alongside our goals and deadlines. Here are a few ways we can support mental health at work: 1. **Open Conversations**: Encourage a culture where employees feel safe discussing mental health challenges without stigma or repercussion. Listen with empathy. 2. **Mental Health Resources**: Provide access to mental health resources, such as counselling services or wellness programs, to support employees' well-being. 3. **Training for Managers**: Equip leaders with the knowledge to recognise signs of mental distress and foster a supportive atmosphere. 4. **Promote Work-Life Balance**: Encourage regular breaks and respect personal time to prevent burnout. 5. **Self care**: this should be every individual’s prioritised personal responsibility for various aspects including physical, mental, emotional, environmental, spiritual, recreational & social. Key messages for all the people leaders who play a crucial role on supporting colleagues' well-being: 1. **Lead by Example**: Model healthy behaviours by prioritising your own mental health and openly discussing the importance of well-being, working on your own mental well-being is the key to be able to support others. 2. **Foster Psychological Safety**: Create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their challenges or concerns without fear of judgment. They need to feel safe speaking up without the perception or experience of receiving any direct feedback or justifications for the concerned areas, instead. 3. **Prioritise Well-Being in Goals**: Incorporate well-being metrics into performance goals, emphasising that mental health is as important as productivity. 4. **Offer Regular Check-Ins**: Schedule one-on-one meetings focused on well-being, allowing employees to voice concerns and discuss support needs. It should be separate to performance objectives conversations, however, dip in performance or any such visible signs shall definitely be considered to initiative such a discussion. 5. **Encourage Team Building**: Organise activities that strengthen team connections, harmony and promote a sense of belonging. Define clear ways of working with common vision in line. 6. **Provide Resources**: Ensure employees have access to mental health resources, such as counseling, workshops, or wellness programs. 7. **Be Flexible**: Recognize that work-life balance is crucial, support flexibility at work to help employees manage personal challenges. Let’s commit to creating a workplace where mental health is prioritised and everyone feels heard, valued and supported. Together, we can make a difference! #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthAtWork #SupportEachOther #Barclaysatwork #Barclays #wellbeingchampion #mentalhealthfirstaider

Wellness Wednesday – Free Webinars for World Mental Health Day! This World Mental Health Day (10th October), LawCare are presenting two free webinars to highlight the importance of mental health in the workplace, specifically in a legal setting. The first webinar, on 8th October, will focus on how relationships at work can affect and impact our mental health. It is going to be run by Lawsight, a team of psychotherapists with a background in the legal profession. They will draw on research and theories to explore the relationship dynamics present in the workplace and how we can navigate them appropriately. You’ll take away some helpful strategies for managing your relationships at work, an understanding of attachment theory and your individual attachment style to give you a better idea of how your style could be contributing to your wellbeing. Learn more and sign up for this webinar here: https://ow.ly/Bcsn50TrLmE The second webinar takes place on WMHD, 10th October. This webinar has more of a focus on the support roles within the legal sector, such as servicing, finance and HR. 40% of the legal sector is occupied by non-legal roles, so exploring how workplace culture and practices affect the mental health of those who aren’t in legal roles can be incredible informative for both those individuals and those working alongside them. The webinar will be led by LawCare, Pembury Legal and a panel of guests. Learn more and sign up here: https://ow.ly/SRBO50TrLmF Additionally, Aviva are running a webinar on 10th October. The webinar will be give an overview of common mental health conditions and how they may present in the workplace. The session is being run by mental health nurse, Paul Murray, and it will be available through listen again links on the Aviva webinar hub. Register to listen here: https://lnkd.in/ei6zR6mV

World Mental Health Day 2024: Prioritising Employee Wellbeing at TWHF Today is World Mental Health Day, and as a Trust we have taken the opportunity to reflect on the value of mental health in the workplace and how we can support each other every day. When our employees feel mentally well, they can perform at their best and (as we expect from our students), reach their full potential. So today we shared simple ways to support wellbeing in the workplace, here are a few of those suggestions to help prioritise mental health at work: ☕ Enjoy a cuppa: Step away from your desk and recharge, even for a few minutes. If you are school based, make the most of your cuppa at breaktimes. 🚶♂️ Go for a walk: If a cuppa isn’t your thing, make time to step away from your desk and up your steps by going for a brisk walk – even better listen to your favourite song while pacing the pavement! 🙋♀️ Talk: Connect with colleagues and promote positive relationships and check in with each other. ❕ Set Boundaries: Create clear separations between work and personal time. 🧘♂️ Make time to meditate: Practicing mindfulness can help in finding balance in stressful situations and alleviate anxieties. 🌐 Access Support: Don’t hesitate to speak to your line manager, peers or family and share how you are feeling. While World Mental Health Day shines a spotlight on mental wellbeing, at TWHF our commitment to supporting our employees extends all year-round. We will continue to improve our wellbeing programs and encourage a culture where mental health is openly discussed and prioritised.   If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out or explore resources like Mind (www.mind.org.uk) and Samaritans (www.samaritans.org). Let’s continue to support each other, not just today, but every day. (I just couldn't resist sharing our very green photo...when we wore it green for Mental Health Awareness Week in May) 😉

The Role of Mental Health in Overall Wellbeing Mental health is a central component of overall wellbeing, yet it is often overlooked in favour of physical health. However, mental and physical health are deeply interconnected, with each significantly impacting the other. Recognising and addressing mental health issues is fundamental for a holistic approach to healthcare. Stress, anxiety, and depression can manifest as physical symptoms, affecting sleep, appetite, and energy levels. Conversely, chronic physical conditions can lead to mental health challenges. Comprehensive healthcare must include mental health support, ensuring patients receive the care they need on all fronts. Encouraging open conversations about mental health can help reduce stigma and promote seeking help. As much as mental health professionals play a vital role in providing support and developing coping strategies for individuals facing mental health challenges, primary care physicians often form the first line of identification when mental health issues begin to present themselves. Integrating mental health services into primary care can improve access and outcomes. By treating mental health with the same importance as physical health, we can foster healthier, more resilient communities where individuals are supported in every aspect of their wellbeing. 3 Ways to Prioritise Mental Health: 1️⃣Practice Mindfulness & Meditation: Incorporating mindfulness and meditation into your daily routine can help reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall mental wellbeing. Taking just a few minutes each day to focus on your breathing and centre your thoughts can make a significant difference in managing anxiety and promoting calmness. 2️⃣Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance: Ensuring you have a good balance between work and personal time is a necessity for good mental health. Setting boundaries, taking breaks, and dedicating time to hobbies and activities you enjoy can prevent burnout and keep stress levels in check. 3️⃣Seek Professional Help When Needed: Navigating the world of mental health services and treatments can be a daunting prospect in itself, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your primary health physician if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed. At Doctors Express our physicians can assist with traditional and alternative treatments, or provides referrals to the most appropriate additional services. 📱 +(1) 345-745-6000 💻 https://lnkd.in/e4MbNUAH What steps can you take today to start prioritising your mental health and wellbeing? Let's work together to create an environment where mental health is valued and supported. #MentalHealthMatters #SelfCare #Mindfulness #MentalWellBeing #BalanceLife #MentalHealthAwareness #MindfulnessPractice #HealthyMind #MentalHealthSupport #TherapyIsCool #WorkLifeBalance #MentalHealthJourney #PrioritiseSelf #StressManagement #EmotionalWellBeing #DoctorsExpressCayman #CaymanIslands

🌍 World Mental Health Day 2024: Let's Talk About Mental Health at Work 🧠 In celebration of World Mental Health Day, we have been visiting various workplaces to deliver talks focused on mental health and wellbeing. This year’s theme—Mental Health at Work—emphasises the critical importance of addressing mental health in the workplace for the benefit of individuals, organisations, and communities. On this special day, let’s come together to highlight that mental health truly matters. Engaging in conversations about our mental wellbeing can significantly enhance our ability to cope with life’s challenges. We encourage everyone to wear green, and to check in with friends, family, peers, and colleagues, not just today, but every day. 💬 We aim to inspire more workplaces to prioritise mental health. If your organisation is interested in hosting a mental wellbeing talk, we would love to connect with you! We also offer full Resilience Programmes at your places of work, to help employees build the skills they need to navigate life’s many challenges. Finally, you can also order a copy of our Workplace Wellbeing Guidelines for your place of work. 📞 Call us on 2326 6000 📧 Email us at healthpromotion.hpdp@gov.mt 🛜 Mental Wellbeing Platform: https://lnkd.in/d43mWG32 📕 Workplace Wellbeing Guidelines: https://lnkd.in/dxspzYte Let’s work together to make mental health a priority in our workplaces—because it matters. 💚 #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthAtWork #MentalHealthMatters

“Mental Health” – what exactly does it mean? The World Health Organization reminds us it isn’t just “the absence of mental health conditions” but instead a much more active “state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, to realize their abilities, to learn well and work well, and to contribute to their communities”. For me, this means a healthy mind is something we must work at. Mental wellbeing doesn’t just happen spontaneously but instead requires personal investment. This ties in well with the theme of this year's #WorldMentalHealthDay - mental health at work. The average person spends a third of their lifetime working. So, to achieve mental wellbeing, it can’t just be something we do in our spare time – it needs to be factored into our working day too. Increasingly, the responsibility for achieving positive mental wellbeing doesn’t just rest on shoulders of the individual. Employers are increasingly striving to support their people by creating a workplace environment where employees can indeed “learn and work well”. Healthy Pfizer provides guidance and tools under five wellbeing themes – social, physical, professional, financial and emotional – encouraging colleagues to self-select support in the areas which matter most to them. I have learned some simple lessons: 1) I thrive in an environment where I am able to be my whole self. I find having a ‘work persona’ and a ‘family persona’ is mentally draining and prevents me from bringing my best to any situation. Wherever possible, I try to create a safe space for my teams to have the same freedom. 2) I’ve learnt one of the best ways I can build up a bank of emotional wellbeing is to make the time to give back to others. This can range from a simple coffee and chat with a colleague to volunteering my time as a trustee – the more I give, the more I get! 3) My family – check out the photo of me pretending I can ride a horse on a recent family trip in south Portugal! 😃 😄Making time to enjoy simple family pleasures like walking our dog or sitting down together for a meal is crucial for my happiness. This World Mental Health Day, why don’t you spend five minutes investing in your own wellbeing solutions? We can have excellent company resources but at the end of the day, it is up to us to use them. Identify a simple step that would help improve your wellbeing at work and, if you’re happy to share your tips with others, feel free to share your suggestions and progress here.