The global pandemic has taken its toll on everyone and led to an increased focus on mental health and resilience.

1 in 4 people suffer from mental health problems, so it ranks alongside cardiovascular disease and cancer as one of the nation’s biggest health problems.

What is mental health?

Mental health is our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. In other words, it is how our minds are, so it’s equally as important as physical health. Without either one, you cannot consider yourself healthy.

The things that keep our bodies healthy also keep our minds healthy – adequate rest, healthy eating, exercise, and stress management.

Mental health problems can take many forms, including severe stress, depression, bipolar affective disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, anxieties, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, drug and alcohol abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, complex bereavement, and dementia.

There is a clear distinction between ‘Pressure’ and ‘Stress’. Everyone will feel under pressure; however, not everyone will suffer the adverse effects of stress, resulting in mental health issues. Working under pressure can be affected by many factors, such as what is happening in an individual’s personal life, leading to increased stress and mental health problems.

So, what can your organisation do to support those suffering from mental health issues?
All employers have a duty of care to ensure their employees’ health, safety, and wellbeing, including consideration for mental health.

There are many methods of providing support, such as policy, procedures, training, open communication, access to professional help and advice.

Most importantly, all organisations need to ensure that staff are vigilant to the signs of mental health problems and organisations value mental health in the same way as physical health.

Raeburn Drilling & Geotechnical Ltd have embraced the challenge of raising mental health awareness through training and collaboration with employees.

Communication is a vital part of supporting mental health. We should all be diligent in looking after one another and providing our people with the help they might need.

If you feel someone is not performing or behaving in the manner they usually do, ask if they are ok and need any help.

Remember to Stop, Think, Understand, and Support!

Paul Breslin
Q, H&S Manager
Raeburn Drilling & Geotechnical Ltd

10th – 16th of May is Mental Health Awareness Week. The focus for 2021 is on getting back to nature. For hints and tips please visit: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week

For further support for good mental heath please visit: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk