World Mental Health Day

Abstract

As I write this editorial World Mental Health Day (WMHD) just passed. October 10, 2017 was a day when the World Health Organization (WHO) reminded us that a negative work environment has negative consequences, not just for those with mental health challenges, but for all of us (World Health Organization, 2017World Health Organization . ( 2017 ). World Mental Health Day 2017. Accessed at 〈http://www.who.int/mental_health/world-mental-health-day/2017/en/〉.Google Scholar). With the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues and mobilizing efforts in support of better mental health, World Mental Health Day 2017 was focused on mental health in the workplace. Yet, how many of our workplaces even acknowledged WMHD? Even though WMHD has passed, we can reflect on our workplaces and implement strategies to assure a healthy work environment. For one, civility continues to be a challenge in our work environments, both in academic environments and in health care delivery systems. In nursing we have been describing the need for healthy work environments for more than a decade, yet the problems persist, and perhaps have even increased due to the demands of today and tomorrow. As mental health nurses we know how to change our work environments to make them healthier places to be, yet day to day maintaining and especially enhancing civility poses challenges for us. Importantly, we know that for those with mental health problems, the work environment can be daunting. Take a quick stroll through the number of opinion pieces in major media sources to rediscover how prominent the workplace challenges are for those with mental illnesses. Depression and anxiety disorders alone are common mental disorders that influence an individual’s ability to work productively. And, according to WHO, globally, more than 300 million people suffer from depression, the leading cause of disability. More than 260 million are living with anxiety disorders. Many of these people live with both. A recent WHO-led study estimates that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year in lost productivity (World Health Organization, 2017World Health Organization . ( 2017 ). World Mental Health Day 2017. Accessed at 〈http://www.who.int/mental_health/world-mental-health-day/2017/en/〉.Google Scholar, p. 1). Think about the small (and large) things that each one of us can do to promote a healthy work environment to care for ourselves and each other. Here are some basics: Recognize the contributions of each member of the organization. Many of the environments in which we work continue to have a hierarchical system. Do you know the students in your classes or the maintenance and support staff that keep you safe? Do you know the decision makers, those who are in lines of authority? Create a culture of accountability. Each of us is accountable for our own actions of civility to others. Make certain you know yourself and what angers you, and find ways to keep your anger in check. Know when to divert your energy through other channels. Walk for 5 minutes to diffuse the anger, talk to a close confidant to seek assistance from another person, someone you trust to give you feedback about your behavior. Create an open communication culture. We need trust in all of our relationships, including those that are part of our workplace. Use your mental health skills to build trust with others in your work environment, recognizing when communication is impaired, including both verbal and nonverbal communication. Be open and non-judgmental and teach others to do the same. Promote competent, credible leaders. Support your leaders who demonstrate integrity, openness and civility. Otherwise hold the leaders accountable for their actions. Share decision-making. While it is tempting to ignore the opinions of others, particularly those who have opinions different from ours, it is important that we create opportunities for all to be involved in decisions that improve the work and the work culture. As the mental health experts we have many opportunities to influence our own work environments. This year we can create not just one day to recognize and encourage mental health, but rather create mentally healthy work environments through the next full year.