Why your mental health matters at the office

There is no dearth to the number of news articles & statistics that talk about employees feeling depressed, burnt out and downright exhausted. What we often lose sight of is these aren’t just statistics, these aren’t mere “labels” that can be attached to those affected. These are real people like you and me, who have families, feelings, and a sense of disconnect with their surroundings.?

I was one among these stats too. Burnt out and not knowing it - I was headed for a crash but somehow my intuition saved me by forcing me to put a stop to the feeling. A lot of people around me didn’t understand it, I think no one really understands it unless they go through it themselves or deal closely with someone who does. And that’s okay too, as long as you have a trusted support system - you can navigate the roughest of seas!

In retrospect, what I realised are the following:

• Events at work or sometimes our work itself has a direct impact on our well-being
• Being self-aware and conscious about how we feel is important
• Getting help if needed, taking time off to rejuvenate is vital AND
• Eliminating external noise (aka what other’s might think/say) is essential!?

The first step is admitting we have a problem

In this ultra-competitive world we live in, it doesn’t take much for us to feel inadequate, incompetent, or unwanted. But, the real question is - Are you actually those things or are you made to feel that way? Knowing the difference can make all the difference to you.?

It is important to pay attention to your nervous system’s response during any negative events that may lead you down a spiral of self-doubt and whatnot. Feelings of anxiety and worry are your body’s way of letting you know to address the cause behind it or at the very least get out of that environment that causes you harm.?

And this is not to say for every little disruption we need to feel this way - but when these negative feelings are prolonged and intense - you have got to recenter yourself before it’s too late. This is exactly why self-introspection helps - it could warn you at the right time.?

Why work with a trained professional

We are often conditioned to keep it all in to remain “professional” or that we will not be considered for important projects or promotions if we admit our mental health is down.?

I would like to take Jacinda Ardern’s stance on this:

“I know what this job takes. And I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. It’s that simple,” she said.?

While we don’t necessarily have to “quit” every time we are on a mental low - my takeaway from her statement is that we must speak up, because if we don’t speak up for ourselves - who will??

Don’t hesitate to seek external help - whether it is part of your company’s benefits or your personal therapist/counselor or even a confidant you are comfortable with. Remember the support system we spoke about? This is it. I have known so many leaders / peers (I’ve worked with) as well as my friends who have sought help and they are certainly better off today and shining bright at their jobs!?

I have personally tried therapy and confiding with close friends while the former gives me a lot of objectivity and clarity, the latter brings in that much-needed comfort at exactly the right time. It has not been an easy journey but certainly, a journey worth taking up because today I am at my happiest!?????

Then there is also the added complexity of personal and professional complications that sometimes interweave and puts us in a mental fix. This is why having a neutral third person (therapist’s) support can help in all respects because it usually unblocks you and brings out your best self! And naturally, your productivity, creativity, and overall happiness at work increase manyfold.?

Getting help is only half the work

Simply by working with a professional, our problems aren’t going to vanish. And this is where it can get tricky - because if we want the healing to be sustainable then we have to put in the work. Look out for ourselves, know our triggers, respond to situations rather than react and really get to know ourselves!?

The other half of the work all depends on you and how much self-care you practice after the initial thrust from your support system.?And since your mental health permeates your professional life too, it is all the more reason to focus your efforts to maintain it!

I hope this article serves as a nudge to take a self-care day or get that much-needed professional help - whatever makes you more you! Because no matter what role you are in - you are (more than) adequate, (highly) competent, and (100%) wanted!?