Somerville supports World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day was established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health to promote mental health and wellbeing conversation and reduce the stigma of self-disclosing personal issues.

World Mental Health Day is marked annually on 10th October and the theme for this year is workplace mental health. This highlights the importance of recognising mental health and well-being of employees in the workplace for the benefit of the people and the work environment.

At Somerville Fit-Out, our workplace comprises on-site, workshop, and in-office employees, therefore it is vital to have measures in place to directly improve the mental health and wellbeing of each employee within their working environment.

The Mental Health Foundation stated that “15% of UK workers are estimated to have an existing mental health condition”, asserting the severity of the issue at hand and the importance of implementing workplace measures to promote positive employee wellbeing and mental health.

Here are some actionable steps on how to look after your mental health.

• Talk about how you’re feeling. Don’t be afraid to confide in someone, this will help maintain your mental health and ease the stress and pressures playing on your mind.

• Being mindful of your activity levels can make a massive difference, boosting your esteem, improving sleep patterns, and improving your mental health. Experts say any form of physical activity daily can make a difference to your overall mental health.
• Eating well is a key ingredient for not only physical health but also for our mental health. What we eat leaves an impact immediately and in the longer term.
• The effects of drinking alcohol are only temporary but can leave longer-term impacts affecting our mood, feelings and our mental health.

• Managing your relationships is very important. Maintaining friendships with family, relationships, and friends can have a positive effect on improving mental health. Surrounding yourself with people in the workplace who will listen, and support is hugely important to benefitting your mental health.

• Taking breaks, changing scenes and the pace whatever that may be plays a significant importance in improving mental health.
• Getting involved with something you are good at. Whether that’s a sport, playing an instrument, gardening, or puzzles, enjoying these hobbies relieves your stress, helps you forget about your pressures or worries, and boosts your esteem.
• Look out for others and their mental health, create conversation, and be there for someone as you would want them to be there for you.

If you do come across someone struggling within the workplace with their mental health, start a simple conversation, asking if they are okay and actively listen to what they have to say.

Within the workplace, look out for signs that a colleague may be struggling and show your support before it festers further. Trust your instincts, if something feels off it probably is.

Finally, encourage healthy habits which can improve mental health and wellbeing. Have an awareness of contacts available to signpost an employee in the correct direction if they do need further help.

At Somerville Fit-Out, we have trained mental health ambassadors in the team, who can identify the signs, chat with you about any issues work-related or not and get you the help that you may require.

We spend a lot of our time in the workplace; therefore, it is important we recognise the benefits of working as a team, satisfaction within our work, and collaboration. It is important to recognise the unconscious negative impacts that can follow, and work on reducing and alleviating these to boost staff wellbeing and improve mental health, for employee and company benefit.

For more information and to see available resources visit: The lighthouse website