WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY 2024

 Today is World Mental Health day, and It is days like these I love, because it is something that EVERYONE across the whole world can take part in.

At the moment, we're in the middle of a Mental Health crisis especially in the UK.

2 million people are currently stuck on waiting lists for NHS Mental Health services.

And on top of this, Mental Health stigma (especially in young men) is still a significant issue. 

Real people, being left behind by a broken system.

People need support now, not in 6 months time and definitely not in a year.

The Lucy Rayner Foundation offer counselling to those aged 14-39 and before last year this was accessible in most surrounding areas to Surrey but due to lack of funding, we had to cut it back to Surrey only.

Sadly this is costing lives.

For this years campaign it is all about WORK MENTAL HEALTH.

What does the law say about Mental health?

We have a wide range of legal rights that protect our mental health at work. These range from basic human rights such as the right to freedom of expression and freedom of association, to the health and safety legislation that keeps us safe from hazards, including psychological hazards. People with ongoing mental health problems are likely to meet the definition of having a disability under the Equality Act (2010) in England, Scotland and Wales and the Disability Discrimination Act (1995, as amended) in Northern Ireland. This means that people with mental health problems are protected from discrimination and harassment and are entitled to reasonable adjustments to adapt their job or work. 

How can I look after my Mental Health at work?

1. Talk about your feelings

Talking about your feelings can help you maintain your mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled. It can be hard to talk about feelings at work. If you have colleagues you can talk to, or a manager who asks how you are at supervision sessions, it can really help. Identify someone you feel comfortable with and who will be supportive. If you don’t feel able to talk about feelings at work, make sure there’s someone you can discuss work pressures with – partners, friends and family can all be a sounding board.

2. Be mindful of your activity levels

Regular movement can boost your self-esteem and can help you concentrate, sleep, and generally feel better. Movement doesn’t just mean doing sport or going to the gym. Experts say that most adults should do some form of physical activity every day. Try to make physical activity that you enjoy a part of your day.

3. Eat well

What we eat can affect how we feel both immediately and in the longer term. A diet that is good for your physical health is also good for your mental health. It can be hard to keep up a healthy pattern of eating at work. Regular meals, plus plenty of water, are ideal. Try and plan for mealtimes at work – bringing food from home or choosing healthy options when buying lunch. Some people find public eating at work very stressful because of past or current eating disorders. So, if someone doesn’t want to come to work dinners, or makes different food choices in the office, don’t pass comment or put pressure on them to join in.

4. Drink sensibly

We often drink alcohol to change our mood. Some people drink to deal with fear or loneliness, but the effect is only temporary. Most people don’t drink at work – but most of us recognise the pattern of drinking more at the weekend or in the evening when work is hard going. Be careful with work functions that include drinking. It can be tempting to have a drink to get ‘Dutch courage’, but if you feel anxious you may drink too much and end up behaving in a way you’d rather not, which will increase feelings of anxiety.

5. Manage your relationships

Relationships are key to our mental health. Working in a supportive team is hugely important for our mental health at work. We don’t always have a choice about who we work with, and if we don’t get on with managers, colleagues or clients, it can create tension. It may be that you need to practise more self-care at these times, but you may also need to address difficulties. Work politics can be a real challenge when we have mental health problems. 

It can be helpful to find a mentor or a small group of trusted colleagues with whom you can discuss feelings about work – to sense check and help you work through challenges. Try and make sure you maintain your friendships and family relationships even when work is intense – a work–life balance is important. 

6. Ask for help

The first port of call in the health service is your GP. Your GP may suggest ways that you or your family can help you, or they may refer you to a specialist or another part of the health service

7. Take a break

A change of scene or a change of pace is good for your mental health. It could be a five-minute pause from what you are doing, a book or podcast during the commute, a half-hour lunch break at work, or a weekend exploring somewhere new.

Sleep is essential to our mental health. Without good sleep, our mental health suffers and our concentration goes downhill. Getting good sleep can be particularly difficult if you work in shift patterns or irregular hours. 

When we are stressed, it can seem even harder to take the breaks we are entitled to – when we need them most. Try and plan periods of leave for the year so that you always have a break to look forward to. When you are on leave or at home, resist the temptation to check in with work. If you find that you can’t break away, it may be a sign that you should be re-examining your workload to manage stress. 

8. Do something you're good at

What do you love doing? What activities can you lose yourself in? What did you love doing in the past? Enjoying yourself can help reduce stress. Doing an activity you enjoy probably means you’re good at it, and achieving something boosts your self-esteem

9. Accept who you are

We’re all different. It’s much healthier to accept that you’re unique than to wish you were more like someone else. Feeling good about yourself boosts your confidence to learn new skills, visit new places and make new friends. Good self-esteem helps you cope when life takes a difficult turn. Be proud of who you are. Recognise and accept the things you may not be good at, but also focus on what you can do well. 

At The Lucy Rayner Foundation, we prioritise workplace well-being by creating a supportive and open environment for our team❤️Every Monday morning, we start the week with a check-in, sharing stories, catching up, and talking about anything on our minds—whether work-related or personal. We also host a quarterly well-being morning where we come together for a fun activity⭐️It's all about building connections and supporting one another🫶🏼

For myself, I am taking some time out of my paid job to have a rest but also prepare myself both Mentally and Physically for this years Oxford Half Marathon which will be taking place this Sunday.

COMMENT BELOW WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING TODAY....

Love

STEVE 

❤️❤️

Thank you for taking the time for reading this blog post. 

IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING THEN PLEASE SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP. 

Some information copied from MentalHealth.org, Mind, HeadspaceAustralia