Mind Your Mind

"Calgon, take me away." "You deserve a break today." "Keep calm and carry on."? For decades marketers have tapped into the human desire for rest and relaxation. Mental health is an integral part of our general health and well-being and a basic human right.

Why it matters

The WHO estimates that in all countries, mental health conditions are highly prevalent. About one in eight people in the world live with a mental disorder.

For most of the world, the approach to mental health care remains very much business as usual. The result? Mental health conditions continue to exact a heavy toll on people’s lives.

Several factors stop people from seeking help for mental health conditions, including poor quality of services, low levels of health literacy in mental health, and stigma and discrimination. In addition, growing social and economic inequalities, protracted conflicts, violence and public health emergencies threaten progress towards improved well-being. In the United States the Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that stress-related ailments account for about 75% of all doctors’ visits.

Committing to mental health is an investment towards a better life and future for all. One aspect of transforming mental health is at the system level building better functioning mental health systems and services.

However, leaders can take action immediately to make a big difference. How? By better understanding and valuing mental health – both their own and that of others. This includes various elements of self-care as well as efforts to support, include and respect the rights of people with mental health conditions in society.

?Here's how to start

• Recognizing our own mental and emotional limitations is a strength, not a weakness.
• Recognizing that activity doesn’t equal impact.
• Managing your team and your own workload. When you’re overworked, you’re less effective, focused, and productive.
• Set boundaries and keep them.
• Encouraging employees to take advantage of paid time off
• Incorporate microbreaks like exercising, playing with a pet, standing up and stretching, and regular meditation and mindfulness.
• Get out into nature at a park, your back yard or even watering indoor plants
• Carve out time on to connect with friends and loved ones.

Bottom Line

Our mental health enables us to function and thrive as individuals, family members and community participants. It helps us cope with stress and adapt to change. It allows us to build healthy relationships and connect with others. And it supports us to learn well and work productively.

Dive Deeper

World Mental Health Day – October 10th (wmhdofficial.com)

World mental health report: Transforming mental health for all (who.int)

The Health Benefits of Relaxation | TIME