World Mental Health Day, marked annually on 10 October, aims to raise awareness of mental health issues and encourage efforts to support those experiencing mental health issues. It was first observed in 1992, at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health.
This year, the theme reminds us of the importance of ‘mental health at work.’ Safe, healthy working environments can act as a protective factor for mental health. Unhealthy conditions – including stigma, discrimination, and exposure to risks like harassment – can affect mental health.
As well as the impacts on individuals and their families, poor mental health can lead to decreased performance, absenteeism, and increased staff turnover. While we spend approximately a third of our lives at work, it is easy to overlook the importance of mental health in the workplace. For many of us, work is a significant source of stress, anxiety, and pressure. And yet, because it is a place where we spend most of our time, positive change created at work can make a significant change in our lives.
