One cannot predict what is in his/her “plate” upon reporting for work. A few years ago, as soon as I reached my office, one of my faculty was in a near-panic mode. She reported that one of the male senior students does not respond when talked to and he seemed despondent, due to his low grades perhaps. So I rushed to the residence hall and talked to him. He assured me that he was alright. I gave him a hug and left. We were all relieved because we had morbid thoughts that he might do something dangerous like committing suicide.
October 10 is designated as World Mental Health Day. The theme for this year is: Mental health in the workplace. The overall objective is: to raise awareness of mental health issues and mobilize efforts in support of better mental health. Inasmuch as a large proportion of our time is spent in the workplace, during our adult lives, it is imperative that employers and managers should ensure that initiatives to promote mental health and to support employees who have mental disorders should be in place, in support of a positive work environment. Meanwhile, a negative working environment, may lead to physical and mental health problems, harmful use of alcohol and other substances, absenteeism, and lost productivity. The World Health Organization (WHO) further contends that globally, more than 300 million people suffer from depression, the leading cause of disability. More than 260 million have anxiety disorders. A recent Who-led study estimates that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy US$ 1 trillion each year in lost productivity (WHO/World Mental Health Day 2017).
What is mental health? Good mental is: “a sense of well-being, confidence and self-esteem. It enables us to fully enjoy and appreciate other people, day-to-day life and our environment.” Mentally healthy people are able to: form positive relationships, use their abilities to reach their potential; and are able to deal with life’s challenges.
To be mentally healthy, we have to take care of ourselves and get the most from life. Here are some tips to boost our mental health:
(1) Practice/track gratitude. Keep a journal and write down three things you are grateful for and three things you were able to accomplish each day.
(2) Start your day with a cup of coffee. Coffee consumption is linked with lower rates of depression. You may take green tea, if you cannot take coffee due to caffeine.
(3) “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” Martin Luther King. Reflect and see what part of your life needs improvement and ascertain what you can do to be in the right path.
(4) Take time to laugh. Hang out with a funny friend, watch a comedy, or check the funny videos online. Laughter helps reduce anxiety.
(5) Dance around while you do your housework. Dancing reduces levels of cortisol (the stress hormones), and increase the levels of endorphins, ( the “feel good” hormones).
(6) Practice forgiveness — people who forgive have better mental health and report being more satisfied with their lives. Several decades ago, I confided to a friend my conflict with a colleague at work. She advised me to say this 15x a day — “I forgive you ________ (name of the person).” It eased the pain and saw me through that stressful period of my life.
(7) “What appears to be calamities are often sources of fortune.” Disraeli. Look for the silver lining in something which may cause anxiety.
(8) Send a thank you note. Let someone know why you appreciate him/her. Written expressions of gratitude are linked to increase happiness.
(9) Do your best to enjoy 15 minutes of sunshine before 9 A.M. Be sure to apply sunscreen. Sunlight synthesizes Vitamin D, which experts claim is a mood elevator.
This Bible verse can be claimed by us in times of stress: Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
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Author’s email: nenita.tayko@foundationU.com
