MENTAL HEALTH:WHAT YOU NEED TO

KNOW.
Key Facts
• World Health Organization defines Mental health as a state of well-
being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope
with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to
contribute to his or her community.
• Mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders.
• Mental health is an integral part of health; indeed, there is no health
without mental health.
• Mental health is determined by a range of socioeconomic, biological
and environmental factors.
 Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and

Why
social well-being.

It affects how we think, feel and act

Mental It also determines how we handle stress, relate to others and

Health is
make heathy choices

Common examples of mental illness are anxiety, depression,

important
personality disorders and substance abuse disorders.

As many as 1 in 4 individuals is struggling with mental health

issues, therefore , It is critical to prioritize mental health.
 It reduces anxiety, improves mood and reduces risk of
depression

Better productivity

Benefits of Clearer thinking

Mental A great sense of calm and inner peace

Health Increased self esteem

Improved relationships
Understand
what Mental
illness is
NOT
 Are you
Worried?
Nervous?
Fearful?
Uncertain?
Avoid
worrying
over what
you can’t
control
Depression
Depression may affect all body systems
Depression Triggers
Depression episodes can be triggered by factors such as
• Stressful events
• Loss
• Illness
• Lifestyle habits
• Substance use
Coping with depression
• Talk to someone you trust about your feelings. Talking to someone who
cares about you helps.
• Seek professional help from either your healthcare provider or doctor .
• Stay connected with friends and family.
• Recognize the triggers. Knowledge of commonly associated factors may
help lower the risk of having one of them.
• Stick to regular eating, exercise and sleeping habits as much as possible.
• Avoid alcohol and other illicit substance as they may worsen depression
symptoms.
• If you feel suicidal, contact someone you trust for help.
STEPS TO MENTAL WELL BEING..
Looking after mental health is just as important as looking after our physical health.

Here are some steps to help your mental well being

1. Connect. 2. Be active. 3. Keep learning.

4 . Give to others 5. Be mindful 6. Good Nutrition

How to ensure Mental Well-being through Self
care
1. CONNECT 2. BE ACTIVE

Connect with the people around you ;your You don’t have to go to the gym.
family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Take a walk, go cycling play a game of, say
Spend time developing these relationships. football. Find a an activity that you enjoy
and make it a part of your life .

3. KEEP LEARNING 4. GIVE TO OTHERS

Learning new skills can give you a sense of Even the smallest act can count whether a
achievement and a new confidence. Sign up smile thank you or a kind word. Larger acts
for that cooking course , learn a musical such as volunteering can improve mental
instrument or fix something that is broken well being and build new networks.
Ways to ensure mental well-being.

5. MINDFULLNESS

Be more aware of the present moment, including your

thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.
Some people call this awareness mindfulness. It can positively
change the way you feel about life and how you approach
challenges
Mental Health in the workplace
Poor mental health and stress can negatively affect employee’s:
• Job performance and productivity
• Engagements in one’s work
• Communication with co-workers
• Physical capability and daily functioning. Depression interferes with a
persons ability to complete physical job tasks.
Organizational level intervention
• Supportive and non-judgemental Organizational culture that helps foster stress
resilience among employees.
• Social support networks to create a safe space for staff to share.
• Supervision support, Communication so as to learn to eliminate burn-out and the
burden of carrying work home.
• Facilitate training/ awareness to sensitize and show how the culture of compassion,
optimism and support will help improve mental health for staff members. Distribution
of materials on mental heath to employees.
• Retreats and team building activities.
• Integrating mental health into mainstream medical service provision and wellness
programs .
• Facilitating therapy to staff members.
HR - Welfare & Medical Section Supports
Mental Wellness for all employees…