As the world commemorates World Mental Health Day on October 10, various organisations are raising awareness and promoting mental well-being, with a focus on prioritising mental health in the workplace.
This year’s theme, “It’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace”, emphasises the crucial role of employers and colleagues in fostering a supportive environment for mental health issues.
It is explained that the workplace can serve as an important setting for individuals to recognise challenges associated with their mental health and can help dismantle the stigma that often prevents them from seeking help.
Dr Lerato Motshudi, medical manager at Netcare Akeso, emphasises the importance of mental health, stating that it impacts our self-esteem, social connections, and stress management.
“The same person will function and respond to stressful situations very differently depending on whether they are optimally well, both emotionally and physically, or if they are feeling overwhelmed or straining under the burden of depression, anxiety, or substance use.
“It is easy to want to believe that mental illness could never happen to us, our loved ones, or our valued colleagues, but the truth is it can happen to anyone, and an estimated one in five people will have suicidal thoughts in their lifetime. Many more people silently struggle with other mental health issues that hold them back from fulfilling their true potential in all spheres of life.
“Also, a mental health crisis such as a panic attack can suddenly occur in someone who has been fully functional, yet without the necessary support, sometimes this may ultimately impair their ability to continue to cope in the future.
“Even among people who are psychologically healthy, taking time to look after your emotional and mental health has benefits for your physical health, resilience in tough situations, and the quality of your relationships, and in the workplace this tends to manifest in productivity, creativity, and engagement levels.”
Motshudi further underscores the importance of mental health in happiness and the role of employers in raising awareness and addressing misconceptions about mental health.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) has also been at the helm of promoting mental health and sharing different ways that could assist thousands of South Africans take care of their mental health.
The group suggests that companies should focus on mental health, implementing innovative programmes, and providing more mental health education to foster a more productive workforce.
The Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za