World Mental Health Day takes place every year on 10 October. This year, the theme is 'prioritising mental health in the workplace'.
Awareness of mental health issues in the workplace is growing. Studies suggest that, at any one time, 1 in 6 people experience the symptoms of a mental health issue.
Factors like work, relationships, housing and financial situations and physical health can make it more likely that we will develop mental health issues - but they can happen to anybody.
John Denley, Wolverhampton's Director of Public Health, said: "Experiencing poor mental health from time to time is common and everyone manages theirs differently.
"Employers can play a key role in promoting the mental health and wellbeing of their workforce, and this World Mental Health Day we are calling on employers in Wolverhampton to do all they can to support mentally healthy workplaces."
The Mental Health Foundation has produced a guide for employers and employees to help support mental health at work.
Mind has produced a guide for small businesses to support mental health at work.
Access to Work's Mental Health Support Service can help people get or stay in work if they have a mental health condition or disability. To check eligibility, visit Access to Work.
John added: "We can all take steps to improve our own mental health and build our resilience – our ability to cope with adversity. Selfcare is a skill that needs to be practiced; it isn’t easy, especially if we feel anxious, depressed or low in self esteem, but it can make a huge difference."
The NHS highlights 5 steps people can take to improve their mental health and wellbeing: Connect with other people; Be physically active; Learn new skills; Give to others; Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness). For more information, visit Self-help.
Meanwhile, Wolverhampton's libraries have a wide range of self-help and health and wellbeing books, eBooks and audiobooks - find out more at Libraries.
Other resources include:
- For urgent help with your mental health or you are struggling to cope, call NHS 111 and select option 2 (mental health option) to be connected to your local mental health support team, or text 07860 025 281.
- Your doctor or GP is there to help you with your mental health as well as your physical health.
- Wolverhampton Sanctuary Hub offers out of hours support - book a face to face appointment by calling freephone 0808 802 2288, texting 07860 065 168 or emailing wolverhamptonsanctuaryhub@rethink.org.
- Wolverhampton NHS Talking Therapies - offers psychological therapy for people experiencing common mental health problems including anxiety, depression, stress and low mood. Anyone currently receiving support from Wolverhampton NHS Talking Therapies can also access the NHS Talking Therapies Employment Service which can support with any concerns or issues finding or staying in work.
- Visit Hub of Hope to find local support that’s right for you.
- Recovery College provides an educational learning environment for people who have an interest in, or personal difficulties with, mental health - visit The Recovery College, email info@therecoverycollege.co.uk or call on 0121 543 4061.
- The Headspace app offers guided meditation and mindfulness - find out more at headspace.
- And Every Mind Matters has a wide range of help and resources - visit Every Mind Matters for more details.
If you need someone to talk to, contact:
- SANE - call 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm to 10.30pm)
- Samaritans – call 116 123
- Rethink Mental Illness – call 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)
- Mind – call 0300 123 3393.
