Unmasking Burnout: It’s Time To Talk About 'Mental Health At Work'

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Anjali, an intern at an advertising agency has the perfect way to hide the effects of her depression and anxiety on her way to work every day. She wears makeup to cover the dark circles formed around her strained eyes and wears a polite smile to hide her pain and struggles. But one day, during a blackout at the office, the generator fails and the emergency lights cast soft shadows across everyone's faces. In that brief period, she and her colleagues gather around for a heart to heart chat.

She feels a sense of liberation as she speaks about her struggles, the dim light giving her the courage to bare her vulnerability. As she speaks, others pitch in their experiences as well. When the lights come back, the room feels brighter than ever as they carry a shared understanding forward. Over time, Anjali's mental health improves. Knowing she has a circle of people who empathize with her brings a sense of peace she hadn't felt before.

But is this enough? Is the question to be asked. Shouldn't workplace management take the initiative to support and address the mental health needs of their employees as well? Yes it is the need of the hour and this year on October 10th, World Mental Health Day, WHO (The World Health Organization) is working on a campaign that focuses on the theme 'Mental health at work' with some of the following key messages -

Mental Health And Work Are Connected - A safe and supportive work atmosphere ensures a good mental health that offers purpose and stability. But with poor working conditions and an unhealthy work atmosphere, a person's mental well-being can be harmed, reducing both job satisfaction and productivity

Workers undergo mental health risks - With poor working conditions, discrimination, limited autonomy there are various mental risks that workers can face. Jobs that offer low salary or inadequate security leave workers exposed to psychosocial risks.

The Impact on individuals - When individuals with mental health conditions are offered lack of support it can negatively impact their self-confidence, capacity to work, ability to gain work and lack of enjoyment of their job and their workplace. Their career and family are also affected.

Broader impact on work and society - If mental health is poor, it leads to decreased performance, absence from work and increased staff turnover. What's more? Depression and anxiety lead to loss of approx. 12 billion workdays each year.

Stigma, A Barrier to Employment - Stigma and discrimination of people undergoing mental health conditions often prevent them from seeking help from others or finding jobs for themselves. Promoting awareness, training, and engagement with individuals experiencing mental health conditions can reduce workplace discrimination and foster healthier, more inclusive work environments.

Apart from these key messages WHO campaign focuses on these key messages as well - Supporting workers to participate and thrive in work, training managers to support mental health, government action and collaboration are essential and taking care of your own mental health.

Almost 60% of the global population is employed, and every worker deserves a safe and healthy work environment. Quality employment not only supports mental health by providing a livelihood and fostering confidence, purpose, and positive relationships but also aids in recovery and social functioning for individuals with mental health conditions.

Safe work environments are not only a fundamental right but they reduce tension and conflicts, enhancing employee retention, performance, and productivity. Conversely, inadequate support can negatively impact job satisfaction and hinder employment opportunities for those living with mental health conditions.

The image used in the news is AI-generated

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.