Mental illness is a pervasive problem in the workplace. 85% of Canadian employers and 94% of U.S. employers report that they have a highly stressed workforce — and this isn’t new. Although there is still a stigma associated with mental illness, more employees are taking medical vacations for these reasons, and employers are beginning to pay heed. I see people with mental health concerns at every organizational level, from executives to entry-level employees, as a bilingual vocational counselor in the mental health profession.
According to the Canadian Medical Association, one in five Canadians suffer from depression and this has a huge impact on the workplace. Not everyone who has a mental illness struggles in the same ways, but for others, having a mental illness can be crippling and interfere with daily life at home and at work. Recovery is frequently emphasized by many providers of mental health services as an attainable model. This entails knowing your triggers and making both best and worst case scenarios plans for the job.
We in the mental health industry frequently advise developing a self-care plan if you have started a new job or are having trouble keeping one due to a mental disease.
Making a Mental Health Self-Care Plan for Work
Here are things to take into consideration when making a mental health self-care plan and preparing yourself to succeed at work:
1. Early warning signs
Are your reactions to your coworkers’ actions or comments, or those of your boss, more sensitive than usual? Do you feel more emotional at work? Check in with yourself frequently to learn about your risk factors and triggers.
2. Triggers
These include actions that may have precipitated the crisis or out-of-control situation. deadline pressure, persistent client demands, and a workforce that continues to report sick or refuses to handle the load? These are all potential sources of anxiety and sadness at work. After that, things at work often get out of hand until you lose it completely or have a meltdown.
3. Coping Strategies
How do you handle panic episodes or particularly bad depression? Avoid leaving it until it is too late. Obtain assistance from a dependable coworker, mentor, or even your boss and let them know you are having trouble. Perhaps there is a simpler approach to manage your task. Get the supports you need in the interim.
Substitute “good coping strategies” for “unhealthy coping techniques”. Drug or alcohol abuse as well as gambling are examples of unwholesome tactics. Other unhealthy coping mechanisms may take the form of behavioral tendencies like seclusion and spending binges; these can be warning indications that something is wrong.
4. Negative Self-Talk
Humans are often harsh on themselves. In the worst situation, it can involve a person who fears losing his job or who feels he won’t be able to hold onto one for much longer. Be on the lookout for these negative thoughts. Challenge the facts contained in those ideas. Is the information based on your view or opinion as opposed to actual facts? Is the information always accurate? Think about replacing them with something more useful. Try to distract yourself or make an effort to ignore unfavorable ideas.
If you’re feeling down at work, think about happy things to “reframe” your negative ideas. Reframing approaches, which we frequently employ in mental health, are intended to transform unfavorable thoughts into feelings that are more favorable. It’s also advantageous to concentrate on enjoyable occasions, such family get-togethers or special vacations. Make a mental note of your professional successes, and then list them as yearly milestones.
5. Crisis Planning
Who would you contact in an emergency? What information do you want your supporters to know or receive? Utilize the 24-hour crisis lines. Draw up a plan and inform your support network of your crisis plan.
Making a daily maintenance list is a wise course of action in the interim in order to keep healthy. For instance, getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and getting support from friends, family, and pets. To develop and hone these talents, practice these tactics when you are not experiencing a crisis for the best results. Lastly, and most importantly, look after yourself.
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