Health Systems Trust

Oct 10

Commemorating World Mental Health Day: Mental health in the workplace

Reuel Singh on 2024-10-10 10:19 AM

By Willemien Jansen (HST Copy and Content Editor)

mental health.jpg

World Mental Health Day is commemorated annually on 10 October. This day offers a chance to remove the stigma attached to mental illness, promote improved mental health services, and have frank conversations about mental health. This year's theme is "It's time to prioritise mental health in the workplace."

The term "mental health" describes a person's emotional, behavioural, and cognitive well-being. It's a vital component of health, necessary for us to function well. It influences how we respond to stress and make decisions. Maintaining our mental well-being enables us to strike a balance between our responsibilities and personal lives to grow psychologically resilient and have fun. But a person's mental state is not constant; it varies from time to time.

The Covid-19 pandemic had a severe impact on people's mental health, but even before that it was estimated that one in three people would be affected by mental illness in their lifetime. Statistics indicate over 17 million South Africans are dealing with anxiety disorders of various forms, according to The Daily Maverick. Consequently, "experts are calling it a 'mental health' pandemic and predict that depression as well as post-traumatic stress disorder, which has been on an upward slope, will increase."

Since we spend at least a quarter of our time at work, it is no surprise that our work and workplace have a significant impact on our mental health. Overwork and a toxic workplace can lead to burnout and more severe mental health issues.

What is burnout?

The National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, explains that a person experiencing burnout feels exhausted, empty, listless and overwhelmed. Burnout can increase the chances of other mental illnesses developing, like anxiety and depression. Possible causes of burnout include:

· feeling either constantly overworked or under-challenged,

· being under time pressure all the time,

· having conflicts with colleagues, and

· extreme commitment that results in people neglecting their own needs.

What are the signs of burnout?

Burnout is typically thought to be caused by stress, work-related or otherwise. Signs of burnout include:

· Exhaustion: You feel drained and emotionally exhausted. You don't have enough energy and feel overwhelmed, tired and down. You can also develop physical symptoms like pain and stomach problems.

· Alienation from (work-related) activities: You find your job increasingly stressful and frustrating. You could start feeling cynical about your working conditions or colleagues. You may start distancing yourself emotionally and show less interest in your work.

· Reduced performance: Burnout mainly affects everyday tasks at work, at home or when caring for family members. Burnout makes you feel very negative about your tasks, make it hard to concentrate, and make you feel listless and lack creativity.

How do I deal with burnout?

Masiviwe, a movement for mental health, gives a number of tips for how to deal with burnout:

· Notice your thoughts feelings and behaviour: How many hours of sleep are you getting? Are you experiencing negative thoughts? How are these thoughts and feelings affecting your behaviour at work, home and in other areas of your life?

· Don't judge yourself: It's okay not to be okay, don't blame yourself.

· Try focusing on what is in your control: Focus on one thing at a time and not taking the behaviour of others personally.

· Let your feelings out: Write in a journal, talk to someone, exercise, or do whatever you need to do to let your feelings out.

· Shift your focus: Focus on what you ARE doing, not on what you're NOT doing. Have compassion with yourself, affirm yourself, acknowledge what you are doing and have gratitude.

· Ask for support: There are many places where you can get support for your mental health. A list will be provided at the bottom

· Make sure that your basic needs are met: Are you sleeping well? Are you eating the right foods? Are you getting some light exercise in?

· Find ways to access a sense of meaning/fulfilment outside of work: Get enough rest so you have the energy to do fun and relaxing activities in your down time. Do something that gives you joy, meaning and brings you peace.

Sometimes our mental health can become so bad that we need professional help. There is no shame in visiting a psychologist, psychiatrist or other mental health professional that can give you professional help.

Burnout can have a serious impact on your mental and overall health. You may not always be able to change your circumstances, but you can focus on improving yourself and creating a more balanced life within those circumstances.

Where can I get help?

List of websites

National Department of Health: Mental Health

Masiviwe

SADAG

SA Federation for Mental Health

List of helplines

Mental Health Information Line: 0800 567 567

LifeLine National Counselling Line: 0861 322 322

Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567

Cipla Mental Health Helpline:0800 456 789, SMS 31393

Healthcare Workers Care Network Helpline: 0800 21 21 21, SMS 43001