10th October, 2017 marks the 25th WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY celebration. This year the theme chosen is apt – “Mental health in the workplace”. Mind Wellness has always been working in this endeavour. With corporate mental health programme at various leading corporates in Mumbai last year and now in Kolkata the focus of Corporate mental health programme has been to spread awareness, identify individuals and help them function better.
Dr.Era Dutta (Consultant Psychiatrist) regularly conducts “Stress Management” workshops. She states – “Each time I visit a corporate, there are always concerned individuals who state that work toll often disrupts their work-life balance. I find means to help them tackle these concerns and strike a balance at workplace”.
In a few leading corporates, the range of Perceived stress scale falls in HIGH range for nearly about 60-70% employees, while only a mere 3-5% fall in the low stress range.
Mental health in workplace is imperative for all. Right from the person who signs your pay cheque to the person who delivers it your desk. Discrimination due to mental health issues is a frequent occurrence. “Many of my patients say that they are frightened to come see a mental health practitioner, due to the fear that if their colleagues or boss finds out, they may be fired”. This is absolutely not true.
Most individuals live with the myth that seeking treatment for depression or other ailments can lead to them loosing their job. Infact, depression & anxiety are leading causes of absenteeism and poor work productivity. By overcoming these with the help of a psychiatrist or a mental health practitioner, one can improve their work output.
With WHO stating that over 5 crore Indians suffer from depression, we need to speak more openly about our mental health. Gone are the days when being only physically fit, having normal range blood pressure and sugars meant you are fit. Mental health affects your physical health, social interactions and occupational output.
There is no health without mental health.
Let’s sign the Mental health pledge in our workplaces today.
Dr.Era Dutta
MD Psychiatry, DNB (Psychiatry)
Consultant Psychiatrist
MIND WELLNESS©
