During the COVID-19 pandemic, people spent a lot of time isolated and indoors, which helped foster an environment where some people now feel lonelier than ever. The result is a loss of social connectedness—the degree to which people feel the social connections and relationships in their lives to satisfy their wants and needs. When social…
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Strategies for Spreading Awareness for Mental Health Month
At this time, there is an urgent need for workplaces to effectively address mental health and suicidal crises. They are complex issues and involve a variety of factors. Try these strategies to become more informed and spread awareness during Mental Health Month in May.
Develop proactive strategic plans that address mental health and suicide prevention to protect employees and company profits. According to the 2019 Emerging Trends in Health Care Survey: Mental Health, just 22% of employers currently have or plan to implement programs to address opioid use and suicide prevention this year
Employers can continue to engage a broad approach to wellbeing, ensuring support for physical, emotional, financial and social wellbeing across their workforce, and it starts with visible and proactive actions of leaders. These are intricately tied to the workplace environment, health culture and leadership involvement. According to a recent survey:
“Organizations with increased health engagement are focused on improving the employee experience by connecting the company’s culture and ultimately providing tools and resources that support employees when they need it most.”
Complete a Culture and Risk Factor Checklist, to determine a comprehensive risk reduction and Mental Health Safety plan for this year. An assessment of ten different areas will provide insight and awareness around your company’s state of readiness. Using this strategy from Mettie Spiess, CWP, Founder of A World Without Suicide, you can secure buy-in from your leaders to integrate employee engagement and safety at your place of work. There is a real cost to not effectively addressing mental health. This value can be shown through case studies of companies experiencing positive support. Mental health is a safety priority and not simply a wellness goal. You can highlight the urgency of addressing employee suicide to address mental health and suicide prevention at your workplace.
Launch an awareness and prevention campaign in May during Mental Health Month or during National Suicide Prevention Week in September
Take steps to gain education about best practice training and programs to engage your employees and manager, and learn how to decide if mental health training is something you should should be addressing now.
Tap into industry resources to help you discover how to build a mental health-friendly workplace.
Download Quick Guide for Practitioner:
The 4 F’s of Identifying and Managing Mental Health at Work
Employee Resources Available to Help You at the Workplace:
- How to Handle Stress at Work
- Mental Health: Let’s Talk About It
- Stress Less
- Stop Stress This Minute
Mental Health America
703.684.7722
www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may
Since 1949, Mental Health America and their affiliates across the country have led the observance in May. Spread the word that mental health is something everyone should care about by using the May is Mental Health Month toolkit materials and conducting awareness activities.
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Building a sense of belonging in the workplace is crucial for employee well-being and performance. Discover five strategic steps, applicable even for remote workers, that not only reduce turnover and sick days but also foster a strong culture of support. From addressing cultural differences to prioritizing mental well-being, these steps provide a roadmap for employers to create a workplace where every employee feels valued and connected.
I’d like to think I’m working toward breaking down the stigma of mental health. I have family members, friends and colleagues who struggle with various challenges, and I have had bouts of anxiety and depression throughout my life. Yet, when someone is right in front of me, clearly struggling, I still find myself paralyzed by what to say or do.
