NHS urges people to prioritise mental health in the workplace
Thursday, 10 October 2024
This World Mental Health Day (10 October) the NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside is shining light on ‘burnout’, one of the most pressing issues affecting modern workplaces, by asking people to look after their mental health and ask for help if needed.
With the theme for the day this year being ‘it is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace’, the NHS is signposting people across Cheshire and Merseyside to access free NHS talking therapy services.
With ever-increasing pressures, including the cost-of-living crisis, people are being urged to take the time to look after their mental health and prioritise their wellbeing.
Dr Fiona Lemmens, Deputy Medical Director for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside said:
“The fast-paced nature of the modern workplace means that more employees are experiencing chronic stress that leads to burnout, making this a very pressing issue.
“That’s why it’s all our responsibility to recognise the signs of poor mental health, educate each other and provide mutual support so that we can create healthier, more resilient workplaces. From employers to employees, executives to managers, we all have a part to play in making mental wellbeing a priority.”
Burnout does not happen overnight. It is gradual and, along with individuals, it has far-reaching consequences for organisations also.
Dr Lemmens added:
“A mentally healthy workplace is a thriving one, which makes World Mental Health Day a great opportunity for us to address workplace burnout. By working together to combat poor mental health and burnout and foster environments where everyone can flourish, we can create a more productive, engaged and fulfilled workforce.”
Mental health is just as essential as physical health and talking openly about mental health issues in the workplace can help break down barriers and help people understand just how common mental illness is. Normalising these sometimes-difficult conversations provides opportunities to correct misconceptions and empower individuals to ask for help when they need it.
According to research carried out by YouGov on behalf of Mental Health UK, nine in 10 UK adults experienced high or extreme stress in the past year, almost a quarter of UK adults feel unable to manage stress and pressure levels in their lives, and one in five workers needed to take time off work in the past year due to poor mental health caused by pressure or stress.
Members of the public can access NHS talking therapies for free on the NHS by referring themselves directly with or without a referral from a GP.
There are also simple steps you can take to look after your mental health.
The Every Mind Matters website offers expert advice to help improve your wellbeing, as well as practical tips on sleep, coping with money worries and self-care.