World Mental Health Day 10 October – World Mental Health Day is on 10 October 2024. It is celebrated every year by the Mental Health Foundation.

The theme this year is  “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace”.  The purpose of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health and encourage us to get help if we are struggling.

Employed adults spend more time working than any other activity during their waking hours. In a myriad ways, and at its best, work can provide a livelihood and be a source of meaning, purpose, and joy. However, for too many people, work falls far short of its potential, failing to enhance our lives and detracting from our mental health and well-being in ways that result in excessive distress and mental ill health.

Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, are pervasive in workplaces globally, impacting productivity, attendance, and overall performance. When left untreated, the staggering economic cost is estimated at US$1 trillion annually by the WHO.

World Mental Health Day 2024 will highlight various aspects of mental health at work, from workplace conditions and stress management to the importance of social inclusion and empowerment. The goal is clear: to champion mental health in the workplace and build best practices that create cultures where workers have the potential to contribute productively and thrive.

Are you worried about someone else’s mental health?

If you are concerned about a friend or relative and their mental and emotional wellbeing, it can sometimes be difficult to broach the subject with them. When people are struggling it can be hard for them to reach out for support. The mental Health Foundation have some suggestions on how you can offer support. Click on the link for more information, but below is a summary of the suggestions they make.

• Offer a space to talk, where there are no distractions
• Don’t push people to talk more than they are ready to. Talking about feelings can make a person feel vulnerable, allow people to go at their own pace.
• Try not to find a diagnosis for someone, with google at our fingertips it is easy to google symptoms, this can be dangerous. Try also not to think you know or understand what is happening for the other person or find your own answers for them.
• Try not to ask too many questions, keep the questions neutral and open ended.
• Discuss ways they might take care of themselves that feel manageable and realistic to them.
• Listen carefully
• Offer to help them find professional support
• Take care of yourself. Supporting someone with mental health problems can be difficult, make sure that you have support systems around you and that you ask for help when you need it.

What if you are worried about your own mental health?

If you are worried about your own emotional wellbeing, it can be hard to ask for help, but often we need support to change how we are feeling. Different things you could consider.

• Talk to a trusted person, telling someone that you are struggling is the first step. Speak to someone you can trust and who you know will listen and take you seriously.
• Speak to your GP. Ask someone to come with you if you need to.
• Seak private support. There are many qualified and experienced counsellors who would be able to offer you professional support. Take a look at the Counselling Directory for counsellors in your area.
• Reach out online – there are many websites and apps that offer online support if you are struggling.
  • Samaritans – open 24/7 call 116 123
  • Shout – a service where you can text anytime for support in the UK (85258)
  • For information on Apps please see these blogs
    • Apps for your Mental Wellbeing
    • Anxiety Apps

If you feel that you would like to speak to someone about your mental health or anything else that is troubling you, you might find speaking to a therapist helpful. Paul offers Psychotherapy and counselling, EMDR and Clinical Supervision. If you are struggling with any issue and would like to make an appointment with Paul please call Paul on 07843 813 537 or fill in the form on the Contact Page, if he doesn’t answer he is probably in a session, please leave him a message and he will call you back as soon as he can. For more information about Paul please take a look at the About Paul Page, Frequently Asked Questions Page and The Counselling Services Page.