Mental Health Matters - Dec 11, 2023 Newsletter

Breathe in, breathe out. 😪 The end of the year is near and, to solidify it, we’ve tackled mental health in today’s newsletter with top tips on how to keep depression at bay and more!

🎁 PLUS: A work–life balance planner (on us!) to ensure you get that much needed “me” time.

Mental health days: Should they be compulsory?

The post-pandemic era has made mental health leave a necessity in some big businesses. ❤️‍

Companies like Nike, LinkedIn, Walmart, Bank of America and Deloitte are all offering their employees paid time off when they’re feeling overwhelmed and foggy. These businesses recognize that their employees can’t perform well unless they’re in a good mental space.

While some others like Barclay’s and Peloton are committed to their employees’ wellbeing via insurance schemes or other wellness programs 🧘, there are hundreds of smaller companies that don’t prioritize mental health at all. In fact, some don’t even offer flexible hours.

In today’s hustle and bustle, where workers are trying to maintain a good work–life balance, some flexibility or additional leave is essential. Otherwise, you end up with stressed out workers who aren’t fully focused on their job, meaning that the overall output and morale is low.

Companies offering mental health days →

Find your balance 🧘

With so much to do and such little time to do it, it can be easy to neglect our needs outside of work. That increases our likelihood of burning out, however. To help you preserve your wellbeing and strike the right balance, we’ve created this handy planner so you can keep track of what’s important.

Reply “Balance” to this email to receive your gift!

Stay tuned for more awesome gifts…

🤝 TOGETHER WITH BETTERHELP

What if you only needed one resolution this year?

Let’s cut through all the noise around New Year’s resolutions with simplicity: Don’t stress about coming up with a bunch of resolutions that take a lot of work and planning and might never come to be.

🔎 Focus on making changes that stick by finding a therapist who can help you figure out – and then hold you accountable to – what you want in life.

There’s a beautiful simplicity in having one, self-fulfilling resolution for 2024: starting therapy. Your other goals for the New Year will naturally follow.

How to cope with depression at work

Dealing with depression at work can be challenging, but there are strategies that may help you cope and maintain productivity.

⚕️ Firstly, consider seeking professional help, such as therapy or counseling, to identify and address the root causes of your depression.

💬 Communication is crucial. Talk to your supervisor or HR department about your situation. They may be able to provide support or accommodations to make your work environment more manageable. Be forthcoming about your needs, and discuss potential adjustments such as a flexible schedule or a reduced workload.

⚖️ Establish clear boundaries between your work and personal lives. Set realistic goals and prioritize tasks. Break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This can make your workload seem less overwhelming.

⏰ Take regular breaks during the day to recharge. Utilize these breaks for activities that bring your joy or relaxation. Physical activity, even a short walk, can positively impact your mood and energy levels.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Build a support network at work. Connect with colleagues you trust, and share your feelings with them. Having a supportive community can make a significant difference in managing depression.

🧘‍♀️ Consider mindfulness and stress reduction techniques. Practices like deep breathing, meditation or yoga can help alleviate stress and improve your mental wellbeing. Integrate these activities into your daily routine to foster a more positive mindset.

😴 Ensure you’re getting enough sleep and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Adequate rest, a balanced diet and regular exercise contribute to overall mental health. Small lifestyle changes can have a profound impact on your wellbeing.

📝 Know your rights, and explore available resources. Familiarize yourself with workplace policies concerning mental health, and seek out any employee assistant programs or mental health resources offered by your organization.

💡 If work-related stressors contribute to your depression, explore potential solutions. This may involve re-evaluating tasks, discussing workload distribution or seeking other projects that better align with your skills and interests.

😌 Be patient with yourself. Recovery takes time, and setbacks may occur. Celebrate small victories and focus on gradual progress.

More on dealing with depression ➜

Employee mental health support that actually works ❤️‍🩹

Matthew Ratz is a workplace mental health expert whose passion for his job comes from his own lived experiences. Drawing from his personal struggles, as well as the stance of his previous employers, he talks about what changes must be implemented to create truly supportive work environments.

Catch you on the flippity flip :)

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