Every year on 10th October 2020, the World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day – a chance to recognise the importance of improving mental health and reduce the stigma related to mental health conditions.
This year, the campaign focus is around ‘Mental Health For All’. 2020 has been a challenging year due to COVID-19 and the impacts of lockdown and pandemic measures have all had a significant impact on our mental health. Latest research from MIND has shown that more than half of adults (60%) and over two-thirds of young people (68%) have reported that their mental health has got worse during lockdown and has been detrimental to those with existing mental health conditions in accessing support.
It is important to recognise that mental health is an ongoing continuum and at any point in time, people can move from having a healthy, well-balanced attitude towards their wellbeing to experiencing difficulty with mental illness. Now more than ever, it is vital that we have more open conversations about mental health and provide the appropriate support and guidance to others.
At WSA, we recognise the importance of a workforce that puts wellbeing at the forefront of development. We have recently invested in several staff members to become Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) through training delivered by Mental Health First Aid England. Mental Health First Aiders provide an invaluable support network to colleagues to talk to when needed and administer support to individuals experiencing mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression or psychosis.
Our Account Director, Marc Bransgrove shares why organisations should invest in Mental Health First Aiders: “It’s fantastic to work for an organisation that holds its employee’s mental health and wellbeing in such high regards and I’m grateful, on both a personal and professional level, to have been given the opportunity to become a certified MHFA. Nobody could have predicted the events that have unfolded this year, but it has elevated the topic of mental health and wellbeing even further, and with it the need for more support in the workplace.”
Our SEO & Digital Marketing Executive, Clare Horton says: “I was delighted to be able to attend MHFA training on behalf of WSA, I really feel like the only way we will ever progress in business is if we take a macro approach to work/life balance and embrace all aspects of ourselves. The destigmatisation of mental health issues is something I hold close to my heart so the opportunity to be part of the movement in business has been remarkable for me.”
Our Digital Lead, Grace Weight says: “I am proud to be a Mental Health First Aider and provide support to my colleagues whenever they need it. It is important that people talk more openly about mental health and reach out to support networks when they need it most.”
To find out more about World Mental Health Day, please visit the World Federation for Mental Health website.
