October 10th is World Mental Health Day, a time to recognize the importance of prioritizing our mental well-being. It can be easy to overlook mental health, but just as we seek treatment for physical conditions like diabetes or heart disease, we should also seek support for our mental health. With a significant part of our lives spent at work, fostering mental well-being in the workplace is essential. This week on Fox17, Dr. Bitner discusses the importance of mental health and how we can create healthier work environments.
Fact #1
Work can negatively impact mental health. It’s important for employees to advocate for an environment that balances the company’s success and their employees’ well-being. Work can be a source of accomplishment and enjoyment when individuals see their goals being met, are rewarded for their accomplishments, and have a supportive environment, but when these aspects are missing, employees can become burned out.
Signs of burnout:
- Feeling unheard or unsupported
- Constant overwhelming feeling of physical and mental exhaustion
- Lack of enthusiasm and drive for work
- Constant worry or self-doubt about success
- Withdrawal from loved ones
- A notable drop in performance at work
- Overwhelming emotions
Fact #2
Mental health at work refers to the need for a healthy work environment. In a recent research paper about developing workplace standards for nurses, the authors looked to the World Health Organization’s guidelines on universal quality of life and how these standards could apply in the general workplace. The paper details what companies should prioritize in order to create an environment that nurtures employees’ mental wellness.
The key components are:
- Work being a positive experience
- Work being structured to build workers’ self-esteem
- An environment where workers know they are meeting goals
- A sense of belonging
- Ability to independently perform their job without micromanagement
- Opportunity to grow skill set with time and support
Fact #3
If you’re experiencing burnout, it’s important to seek support. You don’t have to endure the overwhelming feelings and exhaustion of burnout alone. Taking your mental health as seriously as you would any physical illness is crucial. Consider sharing your feelings with trusted friends, consulting a therapist, or discussing potential medication options with your doctor. If your burnout is work-related, addressing this issue with your boss can help you work toward a balance. Remember, you’re not alone in this, and support is available.
Patient story:
Jane, 45, is a hospital nurse who has always loved her job. After COVID, her team changed, and everyone felt the stress of being overworked and lacked strong leadership. Jane began to feel anxious and dreaded going to work. She felt her mental health declining and saw it affecting other parts of her life.
A leader on her team saw Jane’s change in motivation and asked her to spearhead a new project to measure workplace satisfaction in the unit. Taking on this new project made Jane feel respected and valued. She began to look forward to work and was excited about her opportunity to create change and improve the work environment for the nurses and other medical staff.
Takeaway tip:
Take a moment and evaluate your mental health. Are you struggling with feeling burnt out? Mental health affects all facets of your life, so it’s essential that you take care of it. If you feel mental wellness is not a priority or unsupported in the workplace, advocate for yourself by speaking up!
