A Mindful Future Starts Today: Happy World Mental Health Day!

Let’s take today to reflect on the importance of mental well-being. Read along as we explore insights that can help us support ourselves and others.

Mental health is a term that is often used, but it can mean different things to different people. What is your perspective on the term and why it is so important for overall well-being?

We’re all familiar with the concept of physical health, which relates to the well-being of our body. Similarly, mental health can be understood as "mind health". It includes emotional stability, social comfort, meaningful relationships, intellectual growth, trust in oneself and personal beliefs, as well as the ability to relax and unwind.

Together, these elements form the foundation of a balanced, healthy life.

Despite increased awareness, stigma around seeking mental health support still exists. How important is it to break this stigma, especially in the workplace?

Understanding the complexity of the human brain is a science in itself. The stigma around mental health often stems from a lack of awareness about associated challenges. Fear of being labeled as "different" can deter individuals from seeking help. It's vital to break this stigma, as mental and physical health are interconnected. Neglecting mental health can lead to poor focus, decreased motivation, and various struggles.

Organizations must normalize seeking mental health support, ensuring access to professionals with confidentiality. This approach fosters employee well-being and creates a win-win for both employees and the organization.

Over the years, conversations about mental health in the workplace have evolved. From your experience, what positive changes have you observed, and how have these impacted employees and the work culture as a whole?

To answer this, I'll share my experience at Lennox, which shows how mental health support in the workplace has evolved. When I began in April 2020, I conducted eight sessions a month. By 2024, even eight sessions a week aren’t enough to meet the growing demand. This rise reflects how employees now encourage one another to seek mental health support, often through word-of-mouth from colleagues. Most clients who sought help have completed their sessions, having learned to manage their challenges and achieve their goals through therapy. This progress enables them to thrive personally and professionally, elevating the overall work environment. A happy workforce truly creates a happy workplace.

For someone new to the workforce, understanding mental well-being can be challenging. How can they start defining what good mental health looks like for themselves?

Your checklist for understanding your mental well-being should include 6 categories.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I maintaining a consistent routine with healthy eating, quality sleep, and regular exercise?
• Can I form meaningful relationships and interact comfortably with family, friends, colleagues, and others?
• Am I able to recognize and manage my emotions, such as happiness, sadness, anger, and fear?
• Am I working effectively, thinking clearly, and solving problems logically?
• Do I feel confident and believe I can handle whatever comes my way?
• Am I allowing myself enough downtime and engaging in enjoyable activities?

Your productivity is closely linked to these areas. If you find yourself answering "no" to any of these questions, it could be a sign that your mental health may be impacting your work quality and overall well-being.

Work-life balance is often highlighted as a key factor in maintaining good mental health. In your opinion, how can employees achieve a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives?

Achieving a personal-professional life balance is crucial for keeping life steady. Ideally, try to divide your 24 hours into three parts: dedicate 8 hours to sleep, 8 hours to work, and allocate the remaining 8 hours to self-care, personal improvement, connecting with loved ones, and engaging in activities you enjoy.

By creating this balance, you can create a more fulfilling and stable life.

If you could pack one ‘mental health essential’ in your workbag every day, what would it be?

For me, it would be a card filled with affirmations. The card would read:

• I am worthy.
• I am loved.
• I can handle anything that comes my way.
• Nothing is permanent; this too shall pass.
• The best will eventually come to me.

While affirmations might seem a bit far-fetched at first, the more you say them, the more you start to think about them. And as you think about them, you’ll begin to believe them. Ultimately, the more you believe, the more you’ll embody those positive truths.

As we wrap up our exploration of mental health, remember that every small step counts. Whether it's sharing your experiences, practicing self-care, or supporting a colleague, your actions can contribute to a more open and understanding environment.

Together, we can break the stigma and promote a culture where mental well-being is prioritized.