Making Your Mental Health a Priority: Support and Services  

As mental health awareness grows, organisations have worked tirelessly for decades to improve understanding, support and services. Thanks to their efforts, we now have the tools and language to take responsibility for our mental health.

According to the World Health Organisation, 1 in 4 people will be affected by a mental health issue, yet stigma and discrimination still prevent many from getting the support they need. Overcoming this requires collective action to care for ourselves and each other.

With global challenges like social inequalities, the pandemic’s effects and the cost-of-living crisis, it’s time to make mental health a global priority.

Mental Health in the Workplace

Workplace stress is a growing concern and mental health at work plays a fundamental role in overall well-being. High workloads, tight deadlines and an ever-demanding environment can contribute to a decline in mental health.

It’s vital for employees and employers alike to recognise the signs of burnout or a potential mental health crisis. Prioritising mental health awareness within the workplace helps create a culture where seeking mental health support is encouraged, rather than stigmatised.

Many organisations now offer access to mental health services such as employee assistance programmes, counselling and workplace training to help staff cope with stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This type of mental health help can be invaluable for preventing burnout and promoting long-term well-being. Whether it’s taking regular breaks, practising mindfulness or reaching out to a colleague, small steps can make a big difference in maintaining mental health at work.

In recognition of these challenges, campaigns like World Mental Health Day 2024 places an emphasis on mental health at work, encouraging employers to support their teams with the resources they need to stay mentally well. By encouraging mental health awareness at work, organisations can build more resilient teams and reduce absenteeism related to mental health.

"By making mental health a priority at work, we not only improve individual lives but also strengthen the fabric of our societies and economies. On this World Mental Health Day, let us commit to building work environments where everyone can thrive."

Dévora Kestel - Director - Mental Health, Brain Health and Substance Use DEPT

Identifying a Mental Health Crisis

In public sector roles, staff often work in high-pressure environments, where the demands of the job can sometimes take a toll on mental wellbeing. Recognising the signs of a mental health crisis, whether in colleagues, service users or oneself, is crucial. These crises can manifest as severe anxiety, depression or feelings of helplessness, making it important to know where to find support.

Staff on the frontline, often witness the impact of these issues firsthand, so understanding how to identify a crisis and connect with mental health services can be lifesaving. Below, we’ve included some key organisations that specialise in crisis intervention and offer immediate support.

Seeking Mental Health Help

Seeking help for mental health concerns should be seen as an essential step, not a last resort. In professions such as nursing, teaching and caring, where man individuals experience high levels of stress and pressure, early intervention can prevent small challenges from escalating into more serious mental health problems.

Whether you're dealing with ongoing challenges or facing a sudden mental health crisis, support is available. Reaching out to mental health services or talking to a professional can provide the tools needed to manage your mental health more effectively. Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health and finding the right mental health support can make all the difference.

Preventing a Mental Health Crisis

Firstly, you need to take care of yourself first to be able to support others. But how do you look after #1?  Prevention is better than cure when it comes to looking after our mental health and a great place to start is visualising what is in your circle of control (Mental Health UK).

This circle of control adapted by Claire Newton illustrates where it is useful to focus our time and energy.  The inner circle is known as your circle of control and includes things which you have direct control over.  The middle circle includes aspects that we have indirect control over and the outer circle includes things over which we have no control.

"When we are no longer able to change a situation - we are challenged to change ourselves."

Viktor Frankl (Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist as well as a Holocaust survivor 1905-1997)

Taking an inventory of factors that are directly within your control and creating a self-care plan is a good place to start.

Creating Safe and Supportive Environments

Your mental health is important—whether you're navigating everyday stressors, dealing with mental health at work or facing a mental health crisis, there are resources available to help. By raising mental health awareness, seeking help when needed, and knowing where to find mental health services, we can all take steps to ensure mental well-being remains a priority.

Incorporating mental health awareness with a trauma-informed and person-centred approach is essential because it acknowledges the diverse and complex needs of vulnerable individuals.

• Trauma-informed care ensures that professionals are sensitive to the emotional and psychological scars that may influence a person's behaviour, helping to reduce the risk of re-traumatisation.
• A person-centred approach places the individual at the heart of care, respecting their unique experiences and needs.

This combination not only increases the effectiveness of interventions but also nurtures trust, safety and dignity, creating an environment where vulnerable individuals can feel supported and understood.

CPI’s training programmes equip professionals with the skills needed to effectively identify, respond to and manage challenging behaviour displayed by those in distress. By fostering a culture of empathy and proactive care, CPI empowers organisations to create safer and more supportive environments for everyone.