As this year’s World Mental Health Day underscores the importance of mental health at work, it is crucial for everyone in the workforce to maintain a healthy mind to avoid the risk of developing mental illnesses. Sharing his perspective and advice, consultant psychiatrist Dr Fabian Sunil Dass from Regency Medical Care Centre (RMCC) discusses this globally significant issue.
Addressing mental health challenges at work
In a fast-paced world where the workforce is often under mental strain, burnout can occur, affecting productivity. Recognising the impact of reduced productivity on the global economy, the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) has chosen to focus this year’s World Mental Health Day on the theme of “Mental Health at Work”.
As mental health in the workplace is a critical issue, it is essential to prioritise a healthy working environment. According to a fact sheet by the World Health Organisation (WHO), almost 60 per cent of the world’s population is part of the workforce, and in 2019, an estimated 15 per cent of working-age adults were living with a mental disorder. This has resulted in a loss of 12 billion working days annually due to depression and anxiety, costing the global economy USD 1 trillion each year in lost productivity.
Sharing his experiences with patients and his understanding of their situations and what helps them overcome challenges in the workplace, consultant psychiatrist at Regency Medical Care Centre (RMCC), Dr Fabian Sunil Dass, highlighted two common mental health challenges encountered in the workplace.
“Firstly, a person may experience mental health issues in the workplace, such as unhappiness, loneliness, or anger, which could predispose them to or increase their risk of developing a mental illness like depression or anxiety.”
The second most common mental health challenge in the workplace is stress. While stress is not necessarily a bad thing — it is a natural way we react to situations when under pressure — the inability to properly manage it due to poor coping mechanisms, inadequate communication skills, a lack of self-confidence, and other factors can increase the risk of developing a mental illness.
With these two challenges, the following difficulties may arise:
- Decreased productivity
- Physical symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue
- Absenteeism and presenteeism (physically present, mentally absent, which, from Dr Fabian’s understanding, is an even bigger problem compared to absenteeism)
- Strained relationships with colleagues
- Increase the risk of using substances (such as vaping, or drinking alcohol as a form of self-medication to reduce the “stress”) as a negative form of coping
Elaborating on the final effect, Dr Fabian explained that while substances may seem helpful in the short term, they ultimately have a negative impact on the body and can lead to increased stress in the long run. Nonetheless, the consultant psychiatrist encourages building positive relationships that promote wellbeing instead — “we are, after all, social beings.”
Addressing the elephant in the room
It all starts with leadership in the workplace.
“Leaders should step in to ensure that basic needs are met, such as clean toilets, sufficient food in the pantry, proper lighting, and appropriately sized rooms. These may seem like small things, but they make a big difference because they show that leadership cares about employees’ welfare.”
Dr Fabian also recommends having open dialogues about mental health in the office and normalising such conversations. Reducing the stigma that “only weak people go to therapy” can help address the issue more effectively.
“Just as you would go to the gym to put ‘stress’ on your muscles to help them ‘grow’, the mind also needs guidance from a mental health professional to strengthen its ‘muscles’ under stress.”
He also calls on companies to allow their employees to take days off to focus on their mental health, coupled with access to mental healthcare professionals. Additionally, companies can train their managers in skills that help identify and support employees experiencing mental health challenges, he added.
Addressing the elephant in the room, Dr Fabian compares working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment to a washing machine spinning vigorously with heavy loads for nine hours straight, seven days a week — “it’s bound to overheat and break down.”
“It is all about sustainability when it comes to tackling mental health concerns. You want to create an environment where employees feel they matter to the company, and most importantly, give them a sense of purpose — that they are making a positive impact on the world,” said Dr Fabian.
When an employee is happy working for a company, they are more likely to stay. If they believe the company cares about them, they will be motivated to contribute in ways that elevate the company.
“Productivity increases, and more importantly, innovative ideas emerge that can only benefit the company as a whole. As a result, the company becomes more stable and builds a strong reputation.”
Moreover, a healthy environment fosters competitiveness, creating resilient employees who can adapt to the fast-paced changes of the world.
Us, before the world
Ultimately, it comes down to how we should prioritise self-care, as we are responsible for our own health. It is, therefore, important to set boundaries, know when to say no to non-essential tasks, and learn how to separate work time from family and leisure time, advises the doctor.
He encourages employees to cultivate a hobby that is unrelated to work.
“I would also recommend that everyone see a therapist at some point — not to cure anything, but to help mirror or highlight blind spots that you might appreciate in a non-judgmental manner.”
A supportive and positive family and community environment can greatly help individuals facing mental health challenges. For Dr Fabian, the most important factor is love — expressing love through actions as well as words.
“Families are the best support system, and they create a safe space to discuss issues like mental health. As a family, however, we must remember not to be judgmental and to avoid gossiping. We must always keep in mind that it could happen to anyone.”
In light of this, Dr Fabian advises that when you see a family member struggling, it is important to accompany and support them.
“If they need help or are too shy to see a psychologist or psychiatrist, go with them and provide support. Do not discriminate against them.”
Although a person may seem normal on the outside, they may be battling inner turmoil that could eventually overwhelm them. On this World Mental Health Day, we should be mindful of others’ challenges and difficulties.
Early intervention is crucial for mental health — at what point is it time to seek help?
By Dr Fabian Sunil Dass
- Early intervention is beneficial for all aspects of life, not just health
- When you have a sleep issue, it has reached the point where you need to seek help
- You may not feel happy (not necessarily depressed); it feels heavy, and doing things takes a great deal of effort
- Performing daily tasks can be difficult, and one may lose interest in previous activities that once sparked joy
- It is alarming when we seek solace by distracting ourselves with substances, binge-watching movies, gaming constantly, or sleeping to avoid our problems
