This Thursday, 10 October 2024, is World Mental Health Day. This global event is celebrated annually to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote mental wellbeing worldwide. It plays a vital role in reducing stigma, encouraging people to seek help, and highlighting the importance of mental health as a universal human right.
This year’s theme for the day is, ‘It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace’. A supportive work environment that promotes mental health is crucial. It influences productivity, job satisfaction and absences, and where there is a culture of wellbeing, both employees are supported, and organisations can thrive.
Being able to speak up about your mental health in the workplace can be daunting, however it is so important that you communicate to your managers about how you are feeling so they are able to help you.
The Equality Act 2010, says there is no obligation for you to give details of your health to an employer, however sharing with them if you are struggling with your mental health will mean that your employer may be able to make reasonable adjustments to help you in your role.
What are the benefits of speaking up?
- It shows others they are not alone and encourages a wider conversation.
- It can reduce the stigma surrounding mental health conditions.
- It can help understand symptoms of common mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.
- It offers employers opportunity to consider reasonable adjustments to support you in your role.
How to start the conversation?
NHS support for work-related issues affecting your mental wellbeing
NHS Berkshire Talking Therapies
Our NHS Talking Therapies team offer employment support which you can access if you are already receiving treatment from the service for your symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Whether it's finding work, staying in work, returning after a career break or long-term sickness, its employment advisors can offer impartial support alongside your therapy to help you address your practical work-related issues.
If you're not currently under NHS Berkshire Talking Therapies, please refer yourself to us to arrange a wellbeing assessment.
Visit the NHS Talking Therapies website to refer yourself (opens in new browser tab)
Find out more about employment support with NHS Talking Therapies (opens in new browser tab)
Individual Placement and Support service (IPS)
People with severe mental health issues face huge barriers when it comes to employment. Most would like to have paid work, but only eight per cent achieve it.
If you have a severe or significant mental health condition and you’re already being supported by any of our mental health services at Berkshire Healthcare, our employment specialists can help you gain, sustain, and retain paid work.
You can find out more about the service here: Individual Placement and Support (IPS) | Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (opens in new browser tab)