Mental Health Awareness Matters

When the opportunity arose for me to take on the Mental Health First Aider role, I jumped at the chance to support my colleagues. This was a chance to make a real difference. The 2-day course was both challenging and very informative. It highlighted the need for every workplace to have a system in place for their team.

Understanding Mental Health

I learned that everyone has mental health. It affects how we all think, feel, and act. It determines how we handle stress and relate to others. Understanding this concept is crucial in creating a supportive work environment. Recognizing that mental health can vary from person to person is the first step towards fostering a healthy workplace.

What is a Mental Health First Aider?

A Mental Health First Aider is just as important as a Physical First Aider. A MHFAider helps individuals dealing with emotional stress, anxiety, depression, and other wellbeing issues. They use tools such as the mental health continuum.

You don't want your hard-working people to suffer in silence. A MHFAider provides confidential support. They listen and can spot the early signs of poor mental health at work. They can also guide someone to the right support if necessary.

Awareness of Mental Health

Mental health awareness has grown significantly over the years. The statistics are striking:

• Approximately 1 in 4 adults in England will experience a mental health problem each year.

• Women are more likely than men to experience common mental health problems, with 20.7% of women and 13.2% of men affected.

• Young women aged 16 to 24 are particularly at risk, with 28.2% experiencing a common mental disorder.

• Black or Black British individuals have higher rates of psychotic disorders (3.2%) compared to White individuals (0.3%).

• In 2023, there were 6,069 suicides registered in England and Wales, translating to 11.4 deaths per 100,000 people. This is the highest rate since 1999.

• In 2020, 1 in 6 children aged 5 to 16 were identified as having probable mental health problems, a significant increase from 1 in 9 in 2017.

• Rates of self-harm among young women have tripled since 1993. About 25.7% of women aged 16 to 24 report self-harming at some point in their life.

• The cost of poor mental health is calculated at a staggering £300 billion a year in England.

• The UK public sector lost 18.5 million working days in 2022 to mental health-related issues, an increase of over two million compared to 2020.

• By 2024, 7.8% of adults in the UK reported feeling lonely 'always or often'.

• 35% of 18–25-year-olds experiencing emotional or mental health difficulties do not seek formal or informal help.

• Additionally, 22% of survey respondents cited perceived stigma as the main barrier to accessing mental health care.

• Unfortunately, only about one in eight adults with mental health problems are currently receiving treatment.

  
  

Mental Health and the Workplace

In light of recent experiences, mental wellbeing is now more crucial than ever. Having mental health first aiders in modern workplaces is essential. This role helps to create a supportive and empathetic environment for all employees.

An average of 18 million workdays are lost each year due to poor mental health. This statistic emphasizes the need for proactive mental health strategies in the workplace. Indeed, presenteeism—where employees are present but not functioning at full capacity—costs an average of 35 days per person each year.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

Since 2001, the Mental Health Foundation has led Mental Health Awareness Week. This initiative brings the UK together to focus on the importance of good mental health. The next Mental Health Awareness Week will take place from 12 to 18 May 2025, and this year's theme is 'community'.

The Mental Health Foundation aims to celebrate the power and importance of community. Being part of a supportive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with others.

The Role of Communities

Communities include those who live around us and people we connect with through shared values and interests. Our workplace forms a significant part of this, making it an ideal opportunity to engage with your team. Promoting a positive attitude towards mental health can significantly enhance workplace culture.

For ways to get involved, you can visit this link: Mental Health Awareness Week.

Communities remind us that we are not alone in our struggles. Together, we can promote a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health.

In conclusion, taking on the Mental Health First Aider role has been a rewarding experience for me. The knowledge gained and the impact we can make are invaluable. Let's work together to create a healthier workplace for everyone.