This year, the theme of the Mental Health Awareness Week is ‘anxiety’, a common feeling that can sometimes get out of control.
“Anxiety is a feeling that we all struggle with from time to time – it is not a weakness but a valid response to life’s challenges,” comments Simon Harrison, HR Director at Ethical Power. “Let’s use the Mental Health Awareness Week to reflect on what we can do to help colleagues who may be struggling with anxiety, whether it’s through their personal situation or because someone they know is not feeling or doing so great. Let’s create a supportive and understanding workplace culture that promotes open dialogue and empowers employees to seek help when they need it. If you’re struggling, speaking to someone is always the best and first step. Please, remember to talk to someone if you are feeling anxious: a family member, a friend, a colleague or your HR team.”
Studies show that 63% of people working in the construction industry experience symptoms of mild anxiety and 63% of staff don’t tell their employers about their mental health issues. We think it’s important to normalise speaking about mental health and anxiety and encourage our colleagues to speak up, feel more confident in talking about how they are affected, and learn about what they can do to manage anxiety.
At Ethical Power, we will be sharing helpful information, resources, and helplines as well as encouraging colleagues to take a moment and explore the ways we can help improve our mental health.
Mental Health Awareness Week, now in its 23rd year, runs from 15-21 May and is hosted by the charity, Mental Health Foundation. Across the UK, people are encouraged to get involved by sharing their experience of anxiety and the things that can help with the hashtag #ToHelpMyAnxiety.
About the Mental Health Foundation
The Mental Health Foundation is the home of Mental Health Awareness Week.
Our vision is of good mental health for all. The Mental Health Foundation works to prevent mental health problems. We drive change towards a mentally healthy society for all, and support communities, families and individuals to lead mentally healthy lives with a particular focus on those at greatest risk.
Mental Health Foundation is committed to promoting an anti-racist, inclusive community where we can all be ourselves. The Mental Health Foundation relies on voluntary donations to provide evidenced based advice and carry out vital work to prevent poor mental health.
www.mentalhealth.org.uk