Mental health had come into the spotlight in the wake of the pandemic, which also highlighted gaps in treatment globally. Furthermore, it created a global crisis, fueling short- and long-term anxieties, fears and sorrows.
The agenda of observing mental health day every year was to raise awareness each year and reduce stigma around mental health. There is a separate theme each year. This year’s theme announced by the World Health Organization is “Making mental health and well-being for all a global priority”.
According to a Deloitte report, mental disorders in India account for nearly 15% of global mental disorders. Despite these staggering data, the treatment gaps in India are also very large; there are only 0.7 psychologists/social workers per 100,000 population available in India.
According to a NIMHANS study, more than 80% of people do not access care services for a multitude of reasons, ranging from lack of knowledge, high cost of care and stigma, which continues to be the main impediment . The Deloitte report shows that more than 70% of the general public associate mental health with the term “stigma”.
“Normalizing mental health issues is really the key,” says Deepa A Agarwal, DEI and mental health consultant. “We need to recognize that mental health is not just about mental illness. Rather it is a spectrum, which has in one of its extreme problems of everyday life and the inability to cope with them. These, in turn, can drain energy and sense of accomplishment,” she adds Deepa.
How companies can help
Businesses can play a crucial role in not only providing greater access, but also normalizing mental health. During the pandemic, business leaders agreed on the need to prioritize the mental health services offered to their employees, but now there is a danger that this begins to reverse. New research from Forrester Consulting suggests that many of the senior leaders surveyed plan to return to their pre-pandemic state.
“If organizations don’t stay focused on offering mental health services, it would be detrimental,” says Avril Quadros, a mindfulness coach. “After all, different coping mechanisms are now required to adjust to the new normal of hybrid work, travel, etc,” she adds.
“Employers must show a genuine commitment to the welfare of their employees and express solidarity on issues that concern and impact everyone,” says Pradeep Patil, a Bangalore-based industrialist.
Deepa says, “Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are often underutilized due to fears of confidentiality and being judged. If employees feel that their management will view them in a negative light after they have used the Employee Assistance service, even if the need is high, they will not access it. Therefore, the need to sensitize leaders cannot be overemphasized.”
Laxmi Ravikanth, co-dean of mental health consulting, says: “Companies must create safe spaces and opportunities for employees to speak with colleagues or professionals in confidence. They should allow for less stressful work situations, flexible hours and encourage regular breaks.”
encourage communication
Avril says, “Employees should also be educated about the range of issues they can see a counselor or psychologist about.” Because, everyday problems like insomnia, eating disorders, self-esteem, assertiveness and phobias are not considered related to mental health.
Organizing company-wide town halls involving employees from all locations and functions to highlight issues can be very effective. At such events, leaders who speak transparently and openly will communicate the intent of the organization.
“Constant pushes through prominently placed posters, creative, intranet banners, emails, and newsletter articles are some easy ways to implement awareness,” says Patil.
Equally important is recognizing that some employees may never feel safe or comfortable sharing and discussing their concerns with another person. Therefore, a wide range of resources and options can be offered, including expert-led workshops and short-term retreats.
But it is important that access to services or improvement of mental health is not left to the availability of EAP programs. There are other ways one can continue to live a full life.
meditation, thought
Meditation can give people a sense of balance, peace, and calm. Meditation has been shown to benefit both your emotional well-being and your overall health, and these benefits don’t end when your meditation session ends. Avril says, “Meditation can help you get through the rest of the day more calmly.”
The Government of India, various state governments, many PSUs and private companies across the country have understood the benefits of longer and more intensive meditation retreats, and have even granted a special license for employees to join meditation retreats. meditation.
One more habit to cultivate is learning to channel your thoughts in the right way. “These days, with the advent of social media, people check their messages or emails the moment they wake up or at least for the first hour after waking up. This is extremely damaging, as one wakes up in ‘on’ mode leaving very little room to engage in any form of spiritual engagement, which is critical to well-being,” says Avril.
Eat well and exercise
Exercise has always been associated with physical health. However, the benefits of exercise go beyond ‘looking good’ to ‘feeling good’. Similarly, good nutrition can also significantly affect mental health. Conversely, a poor diet can lead to fatigue and poor decision-making, and can even cause and aggravate stress and depression.
Laxmi Ravikanth says: “There is evidence that accessible well-trained lay professionals in local communities could alleviate distress. Depression is known to be exacerbated by various social deprivations: lack of education, stable jobs, housing, family stability, increased isolation and loneliness, etc., and these need to be addressed. This necessitates a multidisciplinary approach to address depression and its concomitant effects.”
(The author is a Chennai-based businessman with a passion for writing about careers and workplaces)
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