Mental Health Awareness
Mental health awareness aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and mental health conditions by encouraging the sharing of personal experiences, especially in the workplace. At Planate Management Group, we advise employees, supervisors, and managers to actively inquire about any mental health issues team members may be experiencing so they can receive the necessary help.
Many employees suffer in silence due to misconceptions about mental health, which often worsens over time. It is crucial for us at Planate Management Group to encourage employees to seek help. Untreated mental health issues can lead to distress, depression, physical and psychological complications, and even suicidal thoughts. However, these issues are preventable.
Many mental health conditions can be treated effectively at low cost, yet there remains a significant gap between those needing care and those with access to it. Effective treatment coverage in public hospitals is also extremely low. We must create awareness so that employees seek treatment for mental health issues as they would for any other illness.
Increasing Mental Health Awareness
Increased mental health awareness helps reduce stigma and encourages timely medical attention before situations worsen. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, during which we recognize the role of mental health in our overall well-being and the importance of raising awareness and helping those in need.
Mental Health Awareness Month educates the public about mental illness, raises awareness, reduces stigma, and celebrates recovery. Misconceptions and stigma cause many people to suffer in silence without seeking treatment. Mental health awareness initiatives aim to improve understanding and encourage those needing help to seek treatment.
Recognition and awareness help remove the stigma associated with mental illness. Mental Health Awareness Month creates a space to start conversations, reduce misconceptions, and encourage those suffering to seek help and find support networks.
Promoting Mental Health Awareness
As part of our commitment, Planate Management Group will incorporate mental health awareness into our activities on May 31. It is important for everyone to understand the impact of mental health on daily life. Mental Health Awareness Month provides awareness about the reality of living with a mental health condition. When people are better educated, they can support those dealing with mental illness rather than stigmatizing them.
Mental illness is common, affecting about 1 in 5 adults each year. It can begin at any age, from childhood to later adulthood. The effects of mental illness can be temporary or long-lasting, and it’s possible to have more than one mental health disorder simultaneously.
Causes of Mental Health Problems
Mental illnesses are caused by various factors:
- Family history of mental illness
- Exposure to environmental stressors, toxic environments, alcohol, and drugs
- Stressful life situations, such as financial problems, the death of a loved one, or divorce
- Ongoing chronic medical conditions like diabetes
- Brain injuries or traumatic events
- Childhood abuse, trauma, or neglect
- Social isolation, discrimination, and long-term stress
- Unemployment or job loss
- Domestic violence, bullying, or other abuse as an adult
- Significant trauma, such as military combat or being a victim of a violent crime
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Problems
The symptoms of mental illness can be physical or emotional and may include:
- Unhappiness and decreased enjoyment of life
- Family conflicts
- Poor performance at work
- Social isolation
- Problems with alcohol or drug use
- Lateness, absenteeism, and missed work
- Conflict at the workplace
- Self-harm and harm to others, including suicidal or homicidal thoughts
- Changes in appetite, energy, and interests
- Difficulty sleeping, nightmares, and trouble concentrating
- Physical reactions like headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes
- Sadness, confusion, mood changes, withdrawal, tiredness, detachment from reality, paranoia, hallucinations, inability to cope with stress, major changes in eating habits, and excessive anger or violence
Mental Health Interventions
To reduce the stigma around mental illness, we encourage sharing personal experiences. At Planate Management Group, we advise employees, supervisors, and managers to be intentional in understanding if a team member is experiencing mental health challenges to provide timely assistance.
Employees are encouraged to manage stress, increase resilience, and boost self-esteem to help control symptoms. Steps to take include:
- Pay attention to warning signs and involve family or friends to watch for them
- Get routine medical care and pay attention to check-ups
- Seek help promptly if symptoms worsen
- Take good care of yourself with sufficient sleep, healthy eating, and regular physical activity
Creating a Supportive Environment
Planate Management Group has created a supportive working environment with hybrid work options and highly trained leaders ready to address mental health challenges, fostering a positive atmosphere for our employees.
Email: [email protected]
Tell: +254724812081
