Mental health matters

Sir: Did you know that mental health is a universal human right?

The theme of this year’s mental health day celebration is ‘Mental Health at Work’.
Mental health is important whether the work is remote or hybrid or the employee is a doctor, lawyer, engineer, journalist or clergy.

You will agree with me that a lot of people have abandoned high paying works for low paying works and it goes the other way round, just for the sake of their mental well-being.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), mental health is more than the absence of mental health conditions. It is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their communities.

In myriad ways, mental health can be affected at work because of long working hours, poor management practices, little or no break interludes, night shifts, weekend work, discrimination, physical or sexual harassment and poor communication.

When mental health issues are not properly addressed, it can lead to increased absenteeism and presenteeism, reduced productivity, high employee turnover and even accidents.

WHO says the impact of mental health on economy is estimated at US$ 1 trillion yearly.

Employers can foster a positive work environment by creating healthy and flexible work hours, making mental health resources available, gradually reintroducing workers to new tasks and encouraging open conversations about mental health.

In addition, employers, governments and non-governmental organisations must collaborate in order to make, enforce and promote policies that support mental health at work, encourage work-life balance and accommodate people living with mental health conditions. For example, the United Nations (UN) has a strategy called ‘The United Nations Systems Mental Health and Well-being Strategy for 2024’ aimed at creating a safe workplace that promotes mental health.

Employees on the other hand should understand and apply stress management techniques at work, talk to supervisors or friends about their difficulties and seek professional help when needed.

It has been found that sharing challenges with close friends, co-workers and family stimulates the release of oxytocin. The hormone oxytocin combats the negative effects of cortisol, the stress hormone.

There is a call to action on this auspicious day, because workplace mental well-being is very crucial in strengthening the fabric of society.

The roadmap to a healthy workplace encompasses periodic employee training on mental health to fighting discrimination and harassment, and providing a safe environment for employees to thrive.

Dr. Elina Ugwu wrote via [email protected]