Mental illness has the power to significantly impact our overall well-being and influence the trajectory of our professional and personal lives.
In Australia, the conversation around mental health in the workplace has recently gained momentum, however it is important to understand that mental illness has been misunderstood for decades and continues to be challenging for many long-term organisations to implement. After all, re-thinking an entire belief system takes time and persistence.
In many industry sectors, the physical wellbeing of employees is often at the top of our minds, which is why the mental well-being of workers can often be overlooked or unaddressed.
Unfortunately, poor mental health can leave a significant burden on the Australian workforce. From absenteeism and reduced productivity to increased healthcare expenses, the impact of mental illness to both employees and employers is profound. According to The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 1 in 5 Australians have experienced mental health issues in the past year, with work-related stress being a major factor.
Mental health is a cornerstone of a thriving workforce.
At Staff Australia, we greatly consider the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of all our job seekers, employees, and employers. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment where mental health is prioritised. Mental health has the power to significantly impact our overall well-being and influence the trajectory of our professional and personal lives, which is why we want to provide you with the resources you need to stay ahead and find the support you need, when you need it.
Here are three ways to look after your mental health:
- Stay Connected
According to Beyond Blue, 21% of workers have taken time off work in the past year due to feeling stressed, anxious, depressed or mentally unhealthy. At Staff Australia, we encourage employees to reach out if they do not feel comfortable or supported at work. The earlier we know, the faster we can rectify the issue.
Maintaining strong social connections is vital for mental health. Building relationships with coworkers while on-site can provide emotional reassurance while at work and reduce feelings of isolation. It is important for employees to conduct regular check-ins with staff and speak up when they don’t feel like themselves.
- Engage in Physical Activity and Practice Mindfulness
According to NIB, 64% of Australians feel that stress has greatly impacted their mental health, however few have sought professional help. A common technique used to alleviate stress is mindfulness. Evidence suggests that taking part in mindfulness exercises helps manage stress and enhances focus. These techniques include activities such as meditation and deep breathing exercises.
Regular physical activity is also proven to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. By staying active, you can significantly improve your mental health and focus. According to the Black Dog Institute, people who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing depression and anxiety.
- Seek Professional Help When Needed
In Australia, 3.4 million Australians have consulted with a mental health professional in the last year however, over 2 million Australians with a history of mental illness have not recently sought assistance. Therefore, recognising when you need to ask for help is incredibly important to ensure you receive the best treatment and support from the get-go.
Mental health professionals including psychologists, counsellors, and general practitioners can provide the appropriate support to manage mental health issues. At Staff Australia, our team is here to send you in the right direction, please use the following resources to find support or contact your local office for further assistance.
Beyond Blue: Provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health. beyondblue.org.au
Lifeline Australia: A crisis support service offering 24/7 assistance via phone, text, and online chat. lifeline.org.au
Headspace: National youth mental health foundation dedicated to improving the mental health of young Australians. headspace.org.au
Black Dog Institute: Research and resources focused on mental health conditions. blackdoginstitute.org.au
R U, OK? Day – Promoting Conversations and Building Workplace Connections:
Staff Australia is a proud supporter of R U, Ok? Day. If you haven’t already heard of them, R U OK? is a national suicide prevention charity that works tirelessly to support and encourage people to stay connected. The organisation is focused on building stronger relationships and promoting conversations designed to help others through difficult times. (RUOK.org.au)
R U OK? Day, is an annual event that aims to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with those around them and support those who may be struggling more than they appear to be. This year, the 12th of September is their National Day of Action, and their initiative for 2024 is to Ask R U OK? Any Day. which emphasises the importance of having regular, meaningful conversations with the people around you.
If you would like to donate to this foundation or host an event, you can visit their website here.
Stepping forward:
As discussed, poor mental health can have a domino effect. The cost of living with untreated mental illness can be detrimental to a persons, financial, physical, relational, and professional lifestyle, which is why finding support while at work can make a huge difference. By staying connected, practicing mindfulness, maintaining balance, seeking help, and staying active, we can support ourselves and each other in creating a healthier workplace.
Staff Australia. Always here when you need us.
