Mental Health Matters

Psy, Bsc, Msc(c), Cpt Rafail Tsifetakis

This week 10/10/2024 was devoted to world Mental Health awareness day. All of us worth access to knowledge that will support ourselves and our loved ones in times of crisis. Recognition of such crisis regarding our mental health state is vital.

According to WHO ( World Health Organisation), 15% of working age adults faced a mental health disorder in 2019. These metrics are before covid era, where in 2020 increase of 44% in depression and 50% in anxiety noted in U.S.A. according to Boston University. Data are not getting any better with financial and house crisis globally and undergoing war conflicts around the corner.

In addition, approximately 12 billion working days are lost every single year as a result of depression and anxiety. Specifically, the reduction in productivity is expected more than 35% by individuals facing a mental disorder. Evidence related to individuals suffering by any mental health disorder suggest 2-3 times higher risk for premature death than general population.

Awareness for mental health disorders and recognition of mental health state where issues that need support and seek professional help or advice is of utmost importance for all individuals.

Following symptoms in many occasions are normal to experience. Persistence though,for more than 2-3 weeks is a sign of possible need by professional help such as a Psychologist, Psychiatrist or a Social worker.

These symptoms are:

• Feeling anxious or worried
• Emotional Outbursts
• Feeling depressed or Unhappy
• Sleep Problems
• Weight or appetite changes
• Being more quite and withdrawn from your social network
• Substance abuse
• Feeling guilty or worthless
• Feeling excessive High
• Neglect and performing less well
• High Risk seeking behaviors
• Bizarre or strange thoughts
• Suicidal thoughts needs immediate professional help. Advice respective mental health hotline (telephone) or physicaly to your closest GP or any medical setting.

As the 60% of global population is working as an employee status, working enviroment plays a vital role in fostering Mental Health and physical health.

What fosters mental health in a working setting:

• Safe and Healthy working place
• Psychological safety
• Trust and support
• Managerial staff trained in basic Mental Health matters
• Support to affected individuals destigmatizing the issue
• Official schemes of support within the organization with anonymity and discreetly handling
• Govermental/State support settings

You are not alone. Future, hope and support will always exist around you. If you cannot see it, its not your fault, ask for help-ask for support. Mental Health Matters.