IT IS TIME TO PRIORITISE MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE
Emma’s Journey at Sreehari Enterprises
This October 10th, we celebrate World Mental Health Day. By global vote, it has been discovered that the greatest need right now is better mental health in the workplace. Have you had difficulty coping at your workplace because you can’t find that balance between your own needs and the demands of your job? Here is a story just for you!
At Sreehari Enterprises in Kochi, Emma was known as one of the most hardworking project managers. She was the first to arrive, the last to leave, and always took on extra tasks without a second thought. Her dedication earned her respect, recognition, and a steady climb up the company’s ladder. But behind the achievements, Emma was struggling. As the workload increased, so did the pressure. Deadlines began to blur into one another, and Emma found herself:
- Working late into the night
- Skipping meals
- Feeling constantly drained.
She told herself that it was just part of being successful, but deep down, she knew something had to change.
One day, during an important presentation, Emma suddenly froze. Her mind went blank, and for a moment, she couldn’t find the words. Her heart raced, and she felt panic rising in her chest. She quickly regained her composure, but the incident left her shaken. It was a wake-up call—she realised she had reached a breaking point.
Emma took the crucial step of researching reliable mental health professionals in her area. She wanted to be sure that the professional who worked with her had the required credentials (Msc./Ma. Psychology/Mphil Clinical Psychology, experience or was working under an active and experienced supervisor and reliable reviews from prior clients
After thorough research and reading reviews, she found a clinic which offered therapy for stress management and burnout. Availing herself of these professional services proved to be the most helpful step in her journey. The psychologist provided Emma with coping strategies tailored to her situation, offered a safe space to express her feelings, and helped her reframe her thinking patterns.
Therapy offered Emma several key benefits that significantly contributed to her mental health journey:
1. Safe Space: A confidential environment to express her feelings without feeling judged.
2. Coping Strategies: Practical techniques to manage anxiety and stress effectively.
3. Stress Management: Tools such as deep breathing and mindfulness exercises for high-pressure situations.
4. Challenge negativity: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helped her identify and challenge negative thought patterns.
5. Self-Awareness: Increased understanding of her stress triggers, enabling informed decisions.
6. Support and Validation: Consistent encouragement and understanding of her struggles to reduce feelings of isolation.
7. Long-Term Strategies: Tools and knowledge for maintaining mental health beyond therapy sessions.
Overall, therapy provided Emma with essential tools, support, and insights to navigate workplace challenges and prioritise her mental well-being.
Steps Emma Took to Improve Her Mental Health:
– Setting Boundaries: She learned to assert her needs at work. Emma began saying “no” to extra tasks that would push her over the edge, communicating her limits to her manager and colleagues. She explained that she wanted to maintain high-quality work without compromising her well-being.
– Regular Breaks: Emma made it a point to take regular breaks throughout the day. She set a timer to remind herself to step away from her desk every hour, even if it was just for a short walk around the office. This helped her recharge and stay focused.
– Physical Activity: Understanding the connection between physical health and mental well-being, Emma started incorporating regular exercise into her routine. She began jogging in the mornings and attending yoga classes, which helped her release pent-up stress.
– Social Connections: Emma reconnected with friends and family, making time for social activities outside of work. She found that spending time with loved ones helped lift her spirits and provided a much-needed support system.
– Creative Outlets: Emma rediscovered her passion for painting, which had taken a backseat to her work. She set aside time on weekends to immerse herself in creative projects, which brought her joy and helped her relax.
– Professional Development: Seeking to improve her skills and expand her career options, Emma enrolled in online courses related to project management and stress management. This empowered her to feel more confident in her role while also providing her with new tools to handle work pressures.
As Emma implemented these changes, she began to feel like herself again. The changes she saw were:
- The anxiety that had once felt overwhelming started to subside.
- She regained control over her work-life balance.
- Asserting her needs and prioritising her mental health.
- Managing her workload without sacrificing her well-being.
- Improved performance
- Increased focus and creativity in her projects.
Her resilience and determination inspired her colleagues, who began to notice the positive shift in Emma’s behaviour.
Emma decided to create a healthier work environment. She started informal check-ins with her colleagues, encouraging them to share their feelings and experiences, creating a supportive atmosphere despite the challenges they faced.
Hard work is essential, but so is taking care of your mental health. By asserting your needs, seeking professional help, and making intentional changes, you can find balance and achieve success without sacrificing your well-being.
Can you relate with the story of Emma? Please share your experiences with us by leaving a reply down below. Your email address will NOT be published.
By,
Abigail Mary Koshy
Psychologist