Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health! Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many have had the opportunity to work remotely from the comfort of their own homes. This shift has provided new insight into mental health awareness among employees and an opportunity to prioritize mental health needs. the employer is mental health day Give your employees the chance to reset from a stressful week and return to being energetic and productive.
Rebecca Peterson, Director House of Mercysays making mental health a priority requires self-awareness to tell employers what you need.
“It’s really necessary for each of us to know ourselves and have that awareness,” says Peterson. “Awareness to recognize if things are going well for you or if there are additional stresses or symptoms that need more attention.”
Recruitment of accommodation
When you step into your first or new job, employers often ask if they have the accommodations you need. If those considerations are mental health related, how can I feel comfortable communicating them to my manager?
“First, I recommend checking with your employer to see what level of support they already have built in,” says Peterson. “What do you get with benefits, employee assistance programs, or other options for more formal mental health therapy? From there, if you have a doctor or therapist you work with, tell your boss it See what it looks like. Don’t be afraid to ask!”
Breaking down stigma
As you become more open and honest about your mental health, it’s important to keep in mind that getting help doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. Actions to improve mental health are positive and most beneficial when viewed from a positive perspective.
“Unfortunately, stigma is very real and prevents people from seeking help,” Peterson says. It’s something we all go through, and the more we discuss mental health, the more we can help break down the stigma.”
But Peterson says the job doesn’t end with just having a conversation. he needs action.
Mental health concerns are not always visible. In the case of employees, it can be especially difficult for supervisors to notice this in an employee, but it is even harder for that employee to talk about what is going on. Here’s how to start a conversation:
“Make it part of your regular meetings, checking in on each other and how you’re doing,” says Peterson. “Some of these conversations may be more private, but those connections are the key to being able to help each other.”
work and life balance
If you have a particularly demanding job, it can be difficult to remember what else is going on outside of work. But to care for your mental health, it’s important to have a balance between your work and personal life.
“In therapy, we often talk about addressing and developing a toolbox of different skills and learning what works best for you,” Peterson says. Burnout: Secrets to Unlocking Stress Cycles because We talk a lot about how to do things for the release of the body that stress can break the cycle. It will be of great help. ”
Begin this discussion by asking yourself, “What does balance look like to me?” It looks different for each of us and can change over time, but the key is to come up with a plan to execute and share it with the people around you to hold each other accountable.
