Mind Your Head on World Mental Health Day

What is World Mental Health Day?

Observed every year on October 10th, World Mental Health Day is a global campaign by World Federation for Mental Health to raise awareness of mental health. The campaign and its initiatives are based on this year’s official theme for World Mental Health Day – ‘It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace’, underscoring the critical importance of mental health in professional settings.

Mental Health Around Us

Mental health is a state of mental wellbeing that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. Yet, it is often an aspect of our physical being that is overlooked, with many viewing mental health issues, such as anxiety, burnout, stress, and depression, as a normal, and even accepted, part of life.

Findings from a recent study have revealed that one out of every two people in the world will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime. With mental health issues on the rise, and following a global pandemic that impacted physical and mental wellbeing for millions, it's perhaps not surprising that attention has been drawn to the importance of mental health in the workplace. Consider the following statistics:

• In the UK, around 1 in 6 people (14.7%) experience mental health problems in the workplace.
• The cost of staff turnover due to poor mental health has increased over 150% in the last three years (from £8.6 billion in 2019 to £22.4 billion in 2021). 
• Globally, around 12 billion working days — or 50 million years of work — are lost every year to depression and anxiety.
• Mental health issues cost the global economy around $1 trillion every year. 

Yet, there are huge gains to be made for workplaces that invest in fostering environments that support and nurture the mental well-being of all employees.

• Happy employees are 13% more productive, on average. 
• Initiatives aimed at improving workplace mental health can yield a return of interest up to 800% due to higher productivity, fewer sick days and lower staff turnover. 
• Having better mental health initiatives in place can save UK businesses up to £8 billion every year.

Where can I find help?

Whatever you’re going through, you can visit the Samaritans website, or free phone - Just dial: 116 123. Remember, the number is free to call, and you can get in touch with them to talk about any mental health problem you may face.

We've also pulled together some useful resources and links below that include great tips on how to look after your well-being and support others.

For employers

• Mental Health UK – Downloadable Resources
• Mind Mental Health Charity - Taking Care of Your Staff
• Well-being in the Logistics Sector
• Caring For Your Employees in Healthcare
• Supporting Employee Well-being Within Local Authorities
• Port of Tyne Lockdown challenge

For employees and individuals

• Mental Health UK – Downloadable Resources
• Mind Mental Health Charity - How to Improve Your Mental Wellbeing
• Ways to Boost Your Well-being
• Tips for Managing Stress
• Looking After Yourself While Working from Home