Mental health is often taken for granted, especially at work. The result? A staggering 70 million work days are lost each year due to mental health problems in the UK, costing employers approximately £2.4 billion per year.¹

And since the start of 2020, the pandemic has only made things worse.

In 2020/21 stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 50% of all work-related ill health cases.²

Whether you’re working from home, back in the office, or still figuring out a system that works best for you and your employer, it’s still vital that you feel supported, and happy at work.

Which means taking the time and effort to focus on your mental wellbeing, and build it into your working week. So you can make the most of your potential, and take control of your health, both today, and for the future.

Burning Issues 

79% of UK workers report some stress-related absence in their organisation over the last year,  rising to 91% of organisations with more than 250 employees.³

‘Burning out’ sounds extreme, but the causes are recognisable in most workplaces; feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, cynical or detached from the job, and a sense of ineffectiveness.

Left untreated, mental health issues at work can lead to more serious, long term conditions such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse.

Don’t stress. There’s plenty you can do.

Take a deep breath. The good news is that openly discussing and taking on mental health problems is now an accepted part of workplace interactions.

As well as checking in with your line manager, here are a few advice to consider at work:

• Switch off — remember where work ends and your home life begins. If you’re working from home, keep work related items in a room where you can shut the door at the end of the day, and focus on your home life.
• Take a break – Sitting at a desk or being on call from ‘nine to five’ (and beyond) can be strenuous. Make sure you take a break,  such as going for a lunchtime walk to help you relax and refocus.
• Play music — Use headphones, or a radio or smartspeaker. Music can take your mind off work for a few minutes and help you relax and unwind.
• Get your work–life balance right — make time for you, your family and friends.
• End the day with tomorrow’s to-do list. - This can help you shut off and refocus for the next day.
• Workplace confidence – in an uncertain workplace environment many people can feel fear for their future. Focus on your role and skill sets and discuss your future with colleagues and managers.
• Healthy body, healthy mind – ensure that you are well rested and physically healthy. 
• Plan something to look forward to – it is easy to feel stuck in a constant work cycle, so try to organise a break, a meal out or a holiday to get excited about.  

Need help? Think Doctor Care Anywhere

Considering your own mental wellbeing is the first step towards a happier, more productive work life. If you do think you might benefit from speaking in confidence to a professional, try booking an appointment with a GP or an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP). 

Our clinicians are on hand 24/7 and can offer invaluable support and advice, helping you get back to feeling more like the real ‘you’.

Sources

¹https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/mental-health-workplace

²https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/stress.pdf

³https://empactis.com/stress-and-employers-stress-in-the-workplaceLast reviewed - April 2022