Why Every Day Should be Mental Health Day in the Workplace

Let’s ask these probing questions, let’s listen to each other. You might think you are hiding your mental health battle well but if a colleague is educated in Mental Health Problems, then they may be able to spot the signs and symptoms. You start to withdraw and become increasingly quiet. Your appearance becomes less pristine. You’ve lost your appetite. If your colleague spots these signs and asks if you are really ok you are more likely to open up and confide in them as you know it is coming from a place of care.

One day at work you seem to be struggling a lot more than usual. The overwhelming sensations and emotions lead to heart palpitations and cause you to struggle to breathe. You feel abnormal, your chest is tight, you start to have a panic attack. 

Your colleague spots this and takes you into a quiet room just the two of you. They know exactly what to do to assist you in this moment. They calm you down, reassure you, provide you with help and support during this frightening moment. They do not judge you; it is normal for panic attacks to occur. But because they were trained in Mental Health First Aid, they were able to help and make you feel safe.