Mental wellbeing incorporates how a person thinks, handles emotion and acts or responds in certain situations.

Mental wellbeing can be good, allowing you to think and feel positive, or bad, leaving you to feel down or unable to manage or cope. Those with mental health issues may often have bad mental wellbeing, and find it harder to cope with day to day living.

It is estimated that 1 in 4 people experience a mental health problem in the UK each year.

Some of the most common mental health issues in the workplace include:

• Stress – the HSE defines stress as ‘the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them’.
• Anxiety – feeling, nervous, uneasy or tense.
• Depression – low mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time.

There are many things that can cause a mental illness; more often than not it will be more than one cause.

Examples of the following could result in poor mental health:

• Abuse during childhood or adulthood.
• Poor social or work relationships.
• Violence or bullying.
• Abuse from drugs or alcohol.
• Bereavement.
• Long-term stress.
• A traumatic event.
• Social disadvantage such as poverty or debt.

Mental health conditions have an extensive list of different signs and vary from person to person.

Examples of common signs or symptoms include:

• Feeling upset, angry or impatient.
• Being anxious or nervous.
• Inability to enjoy things you normally would.
• Lack of attention.
• Consumed with thoughts.
• Nausea or dizziness.
• Having suicidal thoughts.

Some ways you can look at treating mental health includes:

• Access training and awareness programmes.
• Discuss the options with your GP or Healthcare provider.
• Talk to your family, friends or employer.

There are a variety of options of who you could talk to about mental health concerns, including:

• Your GP
• The Samaritans
• Someone you trust such as a friend or family member

You may also have a Mental Health First Aider at your workplace.

Ways to improve mental health and wellbeing in your workplace include:

• Encourage conversations on mental health within your organisation.
• Access training and awareness programmes at work.
• Implement a Mental Health at Work Plan to highlight the available support.
• Ensuring managers and supervisors lead by example and openly talk about mental health to all employees including managers.
• Making reasonable adjustments to prevent mental ill-health occurring.

It is important to engage your workforce whilst working remotely to ensure they are happy, can work effectively and are not negatively impacted by working away from the office. Plan communication and opportunities to meet.

Some tips to help you support the wellbeing of your workers include:

• Set-up regular one-to-ones – ask how they are feeling and respond appropriately.
• Establish boundaries between work and personal time, including highlighting the importance of breaks.
• Make sure any goals set are realistic.