Being open about mental health issues at work 'better in the long run'

9th February 2012

People need to be open about the problems they are suffering due to the demands of work as well as making sure that they get sufficient rest, according to a chartered psychologist.

Sue Firth recommends seeking support and understanding among friends and family, to avoid concerns developing into a serious mental health problem.

Employees can even confide in their bosses and colleagues. Having the understanding of those you work with means that they can avoid lumping undue workloads on you that could make matters worse.

"Use team members to chat to but limit how much time you are allowing yourself to worry about this on a daily basis, and use all the tips and techniques you can to manage stress," Ms Firth said.

She also stresses that getting ample sleep is also of paramount importance. When overworked and losing sleep, issues that are otherwise minor may seem like they are escalating out of control.

Situations can spiral as stress makes it harder to get adequate sleep which, in turn, makes stress levels increase leading to even less sleep.

Stress levels are increasing in the UK workplace, according to  Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) report.

Although productivity levels have improved over the last 60 years, stress has also risen.

Andy Bell, spokesman for the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, has highlighted the importance of maintaining good employee mental health.

"It is in the interests of every employer to take mental health at work seriously. It will affect one in six staff every year and if it is not addressed it will cost every business £1,000 a year for every person they employ," says Mr Bell.

He explains that it is easy to handle mental health. Managers need to understand the impacts of stress and anxiety. To have the skills and adaptability to know when a colleague is suffering from its effects and then how to have a positive response on that individual is vital.
 

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