
By Ayomikun Oluwatimileyin Inawole
World Mental Health Day takes place every year on October 10 to spotlight mental health around the world, raise awareness of mental health issues and encourage efforts to support those experiencing mental health issues.
In 1992, the World Federation for Mental Health and the World Health Organization declared October 10th World Mental Health Day, and it continues to be observed each year. The goal of this day is to increase awareness about mental health.
The theme for the World Mental Health Day 2024 is “Mental Health at Work”
Mental health in the workplace is an increasingly important topic, as it directly affects both employees and organizations. A supportive and mentally healthy work environment can lead to higher productivity, reduced absenteeism, better employee engagement, and improved well-being.
Work can have a huge impact on our mental health. It can be good for our mental health, giving us a sense of purpose, boosting our self-worth, and providing opportunities to connect with others. But it can also be a source of stress and anxiety and contribute to developing or worsening mental health problems.
Many people spend a lot of their time working, whether that’s in the community, in an office, a workshop, at home, or many other workplaces.
That’s why it’s so important that our workplace supports our mental health, helping us get the mental health benefits of work while reducing the negative impact.
In co-memorization of the day, I interviewed Mrs Mohammed Aminat, a senior nursing officer of the University of Ilorin teaching hospital. She discussed health workers and the stress they experience in carrying out their duties and highlighted ways of noticing mental stress in the workplace.
1. The individual will be stressed up
2. He will be aggressive to patients and co-workers
3. There will be negligence to duties; the person will not do the necessary things he is supposed to do.
4. There will be absentisivity never be punctual at work or on duty
5. Giving excuses to escape from work
6. Always complaining about a given task or duty “I am the only one there, this is too much”.
Citing from her experience in her workplace and what she had observed, she also gave some solutions that can resolve the issue of workplace stress.
1. More staff “if the management of the hospital is aware of the stress health workers are passing through they should provide more workers
2. Give adequate time and a place to rest in between shifts.
3. Giving of incentives e.g. most hardworking, most active worker
4. Any affected staff should be given time to rest at home and annual and casual leave should be granted at least once a year.
Using her work place as an example Mrs Mohammed Aminat highlighted the causes and solution to mental stress, it shows the importance of taking good care of our health mentally so to avoid a breakdown.
As we recognize World Mental Health Day 2024, themed “Mental Health at Work,” we underscore the significance of mental health as a crucial part of the workplace. In today’s fast-paced world, creating a supportive and understanding work environment is essential for productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall well-being. By promoting open discussions about mental health, implementing mental health-friendly policies, and providing access to resources, employers can help foster a workplace where everyone can thrive.
Let’s commit to making mental health a priority in the workplace, for a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce. Together, we can build a work culture that not only values mental health but also actively supports it.
Ayomikun Oluwatimileyin Inawole is a 400 Level Mass Communication Student, Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.