Psychologist of the Eastern Mediterranean University Psychological Counseling, Guidance and Research Center (EMU-PDRAM) Dr. Çise Haşimoğulları made a statement on the occasion of 10 October World Mental Health Day. Dr. Haşimoğulları included the following in her statement:
Mental health, is defined as the way we think and feel and our ability to deal with the ups and downs of life. We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. When we have good mental health, we have a sense of purpose and direction, the energy to do the things we want to do, and the ability to deal with the challenges that happen in our lives (Mental Health Foundation, [MHF], 2024).
“World Mental Health Day” has been celebrated since the year of 1992 with different themes worldwide and with the aim of arise awareness for mental health difficulties. World Mental Health Federation as the pioneer instititution which celebrated the 10th of October as the World Mental Health Day defined the theme of 2024 as “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace”.
A healthy workplace refers to the context which supports the worker’s in balancing stress factors and in increasing their psychological wellbeing. According to job demands-resources theory (Bakker & Demerouti 2017), resources motivate the workers by helping them to achieve their job related goals and meeting their needs for competence, autonomy and belonging. Resources can positively affect the psychological wellbeing both within and out of the work (e.g, family, personal). However, working in an unhealthy work context can lead to a negative affect on psychological wellbeing by causing stress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or burnout. Unhealthy work environment can also lead to physical conditions in workers such as cardiovascular diseases or to behavioural difficulties such as addiction.
Some of the most frequently observed work related difficulties which cause a negative effect on psychological health are long working hours, consistently increasing workload, unclear boundaries between work and personal life and inadequate or lack of support. Some indications of problems in psychological health are decrease in work performance, difficulties in concentration, changes in appetite and sleep routines and lost of interest.
How can we cope with work related psychological health difficulties?
- Take Breaks. Take regular breaks during the day and spare time with family and friends after work.
- Apply Relaxation Techniques. For instance, meditation, taking deep breaths, yoga.
- Take Care of Yourself. Sleep well, balance your diet, exercise regularly.
- Discover meaning and goal at your work. Try to focus on how your work helps others
- Connect and collaborate with your colleagues. Forming supportive relationships with your colleagues would support your stress management and psychological wellbeing.
- Develop Resiliency. You would be able to cope with the challenges at work if you develop the life skills for resiliency.
References
Bakker A.B. & Demerouti E. (2017). Job Demands–Resources theory: Taking Stock and Looking Forward. Journal of. Occupational Health Psychology. 22, 273–85.
Kelloway, E.K., Dimoff, J.K. & Gilbert, S. (2023). Mental Health in the Workplace. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 10 (1) 363–87
Mental Health Foundation (2024). How to support mental health at work. Mental Health Foundation: London.
Rajgopal T. (2010). Mental well-being at the workplace. Indian Journal of Occupational & Environment Medicine. 14 (3) 63-5.
Robinson, L. & Melinda Smith, M.A. (2024). Mental Health in the Workplace. Work & Career. 1-9
WHO Guidelines on Mental Health At Work (2022). World Health Organization Women and men in the informal economy: a statistical picture (2022). Geneva: International Labour Organization
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