So, What Can Be Done?

Solving the problem of mental health will require a significant shift in the industry, however, there are several things that we can do both as individuals and as companies.

As an individual

Mood tracking at work

In doing this, you will be able to identify patterns that cause different moods or trigger anxiety, for example, skipping breakfast or the weather being more bleak than usual.

There are several apps that will allow you to do this, however, I use Moodistory, a paid app that allows you to do this easily.

2. Ask for help

There are people you can talk to in order to empty your mind. Be it a colleague, a friend, or a family member, there will always be someone to talk to.

In a worst-case scenario, there are organizations that have been trained to listen to you such as the Samaritans (you can call them on 116 123). Do not bottle up emotions nor employ the traditional British “stiff upper lip” mentality. Refer back to How Not to be a Boy.

3. Therapy

Therapy sessions are actually extremely powerful. The ability to talk to someone completely selfishly and judgement-free enables the individual to be more open and thus, hopefully understand the root cause of their issue.

I am a big advocate for therapy. You can use this site to find a local therapist.

As a company

Implement the six standards for supporting employee’s mental health, issued by an independent government review (Mind Thrive).

They are:

Produce, implement, and communicate a mental health at work plan that encourages and promotes good mental health of all staff and an open organizational culture. Develop mental health awareness among employees by making information, tools, and support accessible. Encourage open conversations about mental health and the support available when employees are struggling, during the recruitment process, and at regular intervals throughout employment, with appropriate workplace adjustments offered to employees who require them. Provide your employees with good working conditions and ensure they have a healthy work/life balance and opportunities for development. Promote effective people management to ensure all employees have a regular conversation about their health and wellbeing with their line manager, supervisor, or organizational leader, and train and support line managers with effective management practices. Routinely monitor employee mental health and wellbeing by understanding available data, talking to employees, and understanding risk factors.

You could consider adopting a coaching strategy. Once a month, you and your coach will step out of the office and talk about how you are coping both in and out of work.

This creates an opportunity for people to talk openly about how they are feeling without the pressures of the office. It is also a place where meaningful relationships and support networks are formed.

It’s time to sort this problem out.