HEALTH RISK ASSOCIETED WITH MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE

menta health risks in the work-place

¬Wangui Kinyua

When it comes to overall health and socio-economic development, mental health wellness is a key determinant. Over the years, we have witnessed globally and even in Kenya the rise of a consecrated discussion in regard to mental health wellness. Mental health significantly impacts both individual and community outcomes, including fostering healthier lifestyles, improving physical well-being, facilitating quicker and enhanced recovery from illnesses, reducing limitations in daily activities, increasing educational attainment, boosting productivity and earning potential, enhancing relationships with both adults and children, promoting social cohesion and engagement, and overall, elevating the quality of life.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) report (2022), about one in eight people globally live with a mental disorder. Mental health risks vary with sex and age and are caused by a combination of biological, environmental, psychological and genetic factors (NMIH, 2022). These risks and protective factors can be found in societies at different scales. Community threats heighten and deepen risk for individuals, families and societies while global threats increase risks for whole population and can slow worldwide progress towards improved well-being. Economic downturns, social polarization, public health emergencies, widespread humanitarian emergencies, forced displacement and the growing climate crisis are specific key threats that affect mental health well-being today (WHO,2022)

It is noteworthy to mention, although most people are remarkably resilient especially in Africa and most parts of Asia, individuals who are exposed to unfavorable circumstances such sever poverty, violence and inequality are at higher risk of experiencing mental health conditions. It is possible for risk to be apparent in different stages of life, but those that occur during significant sensitive periods like childhood are considered detrimental to an individual’s life. Protective factors such as individual social and emotional skill attributes and positive social interactions, quality education, decent work, safe neighborhoods and community cohesion correspondingly occur throughout individuals lives and serve to strengthen resilience.

Mental health risks at the work place

More than half the global workforce works in the informal economy (ILO, 2022), where regulatory protection for health and safety are amiss. Informal economical sector offers unsafe environments, long hours, little or no access to social and financial protections and face discrimination, all of which undermine mental health. It is rather wise to note however, that psychological risks can be found in all sectors of economy for example humanitarian workers such as health or emergency workers often have jobs that carry an elevated risk of exposure to adverse events which can negatively impact their mental health.

Factors such as race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, social origin, migrant status, religion, or age can contribute to discrimination, inequality, and verbal abuse in the workplace, all of which have a detrimental impact on mental health..

People with severe mental health conditions are more likely to be excluded from employment, and when in employment, they are more likely to experience inequality at work. Being out of work also poses a risk to mental health. Unemployment, job and financial insecurity, and recent job loss are risk factors for suicide attempts, depression, stress, chronic pain, sleep disorders, cardiovascular difficulties, endocrine systemic failure, obesity, substance use and abuse and anxiety (CDC, 2018).

mental health risks at the work-place

Signs and symptoms of mental health risks

Signs and symptoms of mental health usually are not easily detected. An individual can easily feel overly stressed, irritable, unappreciated, unmotivated and have lack of energy to complete even the most basic task and still fail to detect the early stages of metal health illnesses. Some of the symptoms of metal health illnesses are such as;

·         Decline in your performance at work. Struggling to function in at the most basic capacity.

·         Having trouble in focusing on tasks or experiencing memory loss and changes to speech patterns

·         Loss of appetite

·         Feeling hopeless, helpless, on-edge, having mood swings and suicidal thoughts

·         Loss of interest in activities and hobbies that previously were a source of joy.

·         Fear, anxiety and severely suspicious of others and uncertainty.

·         Increased sensitivity to sights and sounds that normally an individual would ignore.

Common work-related mental health problems

Feelings of isolation and being overwhelmed often manifest in individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Within the workplace context, stress, anxiety, and depression stand out as the most prevalent mental health disorders. These conditions can significantly impact an individual's ability to function effectively in their job roles and maintain healthy work-life balance. It's common for individuals grappling with mental health issues to experience a sense of detachment from their colleagues or to feel as though they're drowning in their responsibilities. The pressure to perform coupled with internal struggles can exacerbate feelings of isolation and overwhelm. Fostering a supportive and understanding work environment becomes paramount in addressing these concerns and promoting employee well-being.

Caring for mental health at work

By acknowledging the prevalence of mental health disorders in the workplace and implementing strategies to support mental health, organizations can create a culture that prioritizes the holistic wellness of their employees. This may involve offering resources for stress management, promoting open communication about mental health, and providing access to mental health professionals for support and guidance. Through proactive measures and compassionate support systems, workplaces can help mitigate the impact of stress, anxiety, and depression on their employees' mental health, ultimately fostering a more resilient and productive workforce.

mental health risks awareness

Conclusion

The recognition of health risks related to mental health within the workplace is paramount for creating environments that foster employee well-being and productivity. Feelings of isolation and overwhelm are common experiences among individuals grappling with mental health issues, with stress, anxiety, and depression emerging as the most prevalent concerns. Addressing these risks requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses organizational policies, workplace culture, and individual support mechanisms. Organizations must prioritize mental health awareness and education, encouraging open dialogue and reducing stigma surrounding mental illness. Providing access to resources such as employee assistance programs, mental health services, and stress management tools is essential for supporting employees in navigating their mental health challenges effectively.

 REFERENCES

1.       World Health Organization. (2022). Global Mental Health Trends: 2022 Report. World Health Organization.

2.       Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). National Health Statistics Report: Mental Health Trends in the United States, 2018. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

3.       National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Annual Report on Mental Health Research: 2022. National Institute of Mental Health.

International Labor Organization. (2022). World Employment and Social Outlook Trends: 2022 Report. International Labor Organization.