World Mental Health Day is celebrated on October 10, each year. According to WHO, the objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health. This day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to raise important issues that need to be addressed and rethink about what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide. The theme for this year (2024) is ‘It is time to prioritise Mental Health at Workplace’. The aim is to highlight the vital connection between work and mental health and to advocate for safe workplaces where mental health is prioritised, protected, and promoted. About 60% of the global population works in workplaces, spending a significant portion of their work week in office spaces. Safe and healthy working environments can act as a protective factor for mental health. Work provides livelihood, instils a sense of confidence and purpose, provides opportunities for growth and development, and builds relationships. Unhealthy work conditions can pose significant risks that affect mental health, participation, or productivity at work and, consequently, quality of life. This calls for urgent action to protect and support mental health at work.Let us address five important questions about mental health in the workplace. Q1) How to identify that someone is struggling with mental health issues at the workplace? Increased absenteeism or frequent leaves • Showing up late to work • Decreased performance or productivity • Reduced interaction with colleagues • Avoiding office gatherings • Changes in mood : feeling dull, low, tired, angry, mood swings • Increased stress, feeling scared, heart beat fast, sweating • Performance anxiety • Reduced self-confidence • Making mistakes frequently, not meeting deadlines • Lack of motivation or interest in work • Unexplained physical symptoms: headache, tiredness, pains/aches • Coming to work under the influence of substances • Reduced self-confidence • Making mistakes frequently, not meeting deadlines • Lack of motivation or interest in work • Unexplained physical symptoms: headache, tiredness, pains/aches • Coming to work under the influence of substances Q2) What are some common causes of mental health issues in the workplace? Problems in the workplace arise due to the interplay of various factors. Some important ones are listed as follows: 1. Work related: excessive workload, long working hours, lack of autonomy or control over work, pressure to meet targets and deadlines, limited career growth opportunities, missed promotions or over-promotion, remote work locations with lack of travel or other resources 2. Organisation-related: toxic work culture, poor leadership and management, limited resources or budget concerns, lack of recognition or rewards, discrimination, harassment, bullying, poor communication channels, lack of employee benefit schemes. 3. Individual related: Poor coping mechanisms, personal stress affecting work, anxious personality, poor past work experiences, pre-existing mental health conditions, substance abuse, poor social support outside the workplace 4. Sociocultural factors: poverty & inequality, technological advancements causing reduced need for manual labour, cultural pressures to work and provide for dependents, accountability for promotion, language barriers, social stigma around mental health, and global environmental events like pandemics. Q3) How does this distress affect a person’s work life and beyond? On the work front, there is reduction of productivity and performance leading to frequent mistakes, late submissions, low job satisfactions, loss of assignments, and subsequent loss of pay. Dissatisfaction among coworkers who get burdened with additional responsibilities can cause them to file complaints and hamper trust and relationships. Continued defaults can result in suspension or termination of employment. Work conflicts can spill into the family and social spheres. Financial and resource crisis for dependents, social isolation, conflicts with family and friends. It can affect one’s reputation and social standing. To add to this, various serious mental and physical health conditions can result from continual stress such as, burnout, anxiety, depression, insomnia, substance use disorder, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular problems, and chronic aches and pains. Q4) What are some self-help tips for people struggling with mental health problems at work? • Self-care : ensure adequate uninterrupted sleep (7-8 hours), eat a balanced diet, staying hydrated, regular exercise or yoga, stop the use of substances of abuse, spend some quality ‘me-time’ by doing hobbies, journaling etc. • Maintain work-life balance: Spend time with family, meet friends regularly, engage in non-work focused activities and conversation, take vacations and breaks • At work : set boundaries, learn to say ‘No’, foster open communication with colleagues and seniors, ask for help when in a dilemma and provide help whenever possible. • If you notice signs of mental health concerns in yourself or with people you work with, reach out to a trained mental health professional for appropriate and timely help. Q5) How can workplaces aim to be more ‘Mental Health Friendly’ workplaces? According to the WHO, governments, employers, the organisations which represent workers and employers, and other stakeholders responsible for workers’ health and safety to work together to improve mental health at work. Action to address mental health at work should be made with the meaningful involvement of workers and their representatives, and people with lived experience of mental health conditions. There are 4 A’s that summarise methods to build ‘Mental Health Friendly’ workplaces. 1. Awareness : Encourage open conversations about mental health and work stress, create a supportive work culture, conduct mental health training for employees especially at managerial / supervisory level. 2. Accommodation: agreeing to reasonable adjustments, flexible working hours, extra time to complete tasks, work-from-home days, peer supervision, allowing time off for non- work-related commitments, excusing people from attending doctor appointments without affecting pay. 3. Assistance : Foster open communication channels, frequent check-ins, employee feedback forms / meetings, establish channels for quick and confidential help, workplace wellness initiatives like stocking up break rooms, organising team building activities, appreciation, and celebration of successes. 4. Access : easy-to-avail counselling and psychiatric services, collaborating with mental healthcare providers, arrange regular check-ins, provision of insurance covering mental health related treatment and admissions, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), i.e., voluntary, work-based programme that offers free and confidential assessments, short- term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services to employees who have personal and/ or work-related problems. By generating awareness about mental health issues in the workplace and following some of the steps mentioned steps, we can ensure that everyone can thrive at work and in life. Let us act today for a healthier future and a happier work-life!